Uncategorized
Ignore unverified HIV figures on social media, verify through official channels, says ANSACA boss

By Uzo Ugwunze
The Executive Director of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), Dr. Nkem Okeke, has urged members of the public to rely on verified information from official health authorities for HIV-related updates, warning against the spread of unconfirmed figures and misinformation on social media.
Dr. Okeke made the call on July 7 during an interview with Udala FM, where he explained that HIV statistics should be interpreted with caution because the number of confirmed cases depends largely on the scale, coverage and targeting of testing, noting that Anambra State has intensified community-based HIV testing through several initiatives, including the Moonlight Testing programme, which operates between 7:00 p.m. and midnight in identified hotspots to reach key populations.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at expanding access to HIV testing, linking those who test positive to treatment and care, while providing preventive services such as counselling and free condoms.
He explained that HIV testing in the state is regularly conducted in communities, markets, religious centres and other public locations through approved outreach programmes. Recent exercises, he said, were carried out in collaboration with healthcare institutions and medical students in communities including St. Paul’s, Ogidi, Nanka, Onitsha and Awka emphasizing that HIV test results remain confidential and are protected by ethical and legal standards, noting that responsible organisations do not publicly disclose the identities or results of individuals.
The ANSACA boss said that any organisation intending to carry out HIV-related programmes in government institutions or public facilities in Anambra State must obtain approval from ANSACA or the State Ministry of Health to ensure proper coordination, quality assurance and compliance with national guidelines.
Speaking on the state’s HIV response, Dr. Okeke said HIV remains a significant public health concern despite remarkable advances in prevention and treatment, observing that the COVID-19 pandemic diverted public attention and health resources from HIV, slowing awareness campaigns and affecting service delivery in many communities.
He identified adolescents and young people as a priority group for prevention efforts, pointing to social, economic and behavioural factors that increase their vulnerability to HIV infection, stressing the need for stronger parental involvement, community participation, school-based education and sustained youth-focused awareness campaigns to discourage risky behaviours and prevent new infections.
Dr. Okeke disclosed that Anambra State is supporting the implementation of the National HIV Prevention Plan, which focuses on reaching young people with age-appropriate HIV prevention education before they become exposed to high-risk behaviours, expressing optimism that sustained awareness, expanded testing, early diagnosis and prompt treatment would significantly reduce new HIV infections and strengthen the state’s efforts to eliminate HIV as a public health threat.
He reaffirmed that the fight against HIV requires the collective commitment of government, healthcare workers, educational institutions, faith-based organisations, community leaders, civil society groups and residents. According to him, increased public awareness, wider access to HIV testing and early treatment remain critical to achieving an HIV-free Anambra State.
Uncategorized
Osun guber: APC senator recants, says “I meant kill Accord with votes, not violence” —
Few hours after his viral video generated criticisms and reaction over his charge on his supporters to “kill” any member of Accord Party who is seen in Ilesha, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, the lawmaker representing the Osun East Senatorial District, recanted his statement , and clarified the intention behind his ‘Kill Accord’ comment
The APC senator was seen In the video, speaking in Yoruba and accusing Accord Party members of attacking members of the All Progressives Congress, he therefore urged the gathering to attack Accord Party supporters in Ilesa.
He was also seen daring those present to record his remarks and share them on social media, while reportedly addressing APC supporters in Ilesa ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election.
The video however attracted serious criticism and condemnation after all the 13 participating political parties and their candidates have signed a peace accord ahead of the August 15 election, with the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, calling for his arrest and prosecution for allegedly incitng violence
But in a swift reaction, through a statement by his media office,, titled ‘Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence, Senator Fadahunsi Tells APC,’ the senator said his viral comment was “a call on supporters to overwhelmingly reject the Accord Party at the ballot box through lawful, peaceful and democratic means during the August 15 governorship election.”
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Senator’s statement was purely political and metaphorical,” the statement added.
It noted that the comment didn’t portray the lawmaker as an advocate of violence against any member of the public or political party.
“At no point did Senator Fadahunsi advocate violence, intimidation or any form of physical attack against members or supporters of the Accord Party or any other political party. His consistent position has always been that elections should be decided by the votes of the people and not by force.
“The Senator, therefore, urges political actors, party supporters and the electorate to conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the election. He also calls on security agencies to remain professional and ensure that every eligible voter is able to exercise their constitutional right without fear or intimidation.
“Senator Fadahunsi remains committed to democratic values, issue-based campaigns and a credible electoral process. He believes that the will of the people, freely expressed through the ballot, must always prevail.
“We, therefore, appeal to members of the public not to misinterpret or deliberately distort the Senator’s comments, as they were clearly intended to encourage electoral victory through the power of the ballot and not through violence,” the statement concluded.
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Kebbi govt spends over N16 Billion on retirement, death benefits – Gov. Idris
Our Reporter
Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, has disclosed that his administration has spent over ₦16 billion on retirement and death benefits since assuming office in May 2023.
The Governor made this known on Thursday while delivering his address at the opening ceremony of the Workers’ Rights Summit, held to commemorate the 88th anniversary of the legalization of trade unionism in Nigeria (1938–2026). The event took place at the Presidential Lodge, Birnin Kebbi.
Governor Idris stated that, in line with his administration’s strategic plan for sustainable economic growth, numerous transformative projects have been executed across the state.
“These monumental achievements, alongside many other reforms still in the pipeline, are a testament to the deep commitment of this administration to the dignity and well-being of every worker in Kebbi State,” he said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-oriented policies and appealed for the continued support and cooperation of the people to ensure the success of his government.
The Governor emphasized that his administration has consistently prioritized the welfare of civil servants and the entire workforce.
“We are prepared to collaborate with all stakeholders—including trade unions, civil society organizations, and the organized private sector—to enhance the welfare, safety, and protection of workers’ rights,” he added.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and State Head of the Civil Service, Tpl. Mallam Shekare mni, highlighted the achievements of the Kauran Gwandu administration, particularly its commitment to workers’ welfare. He noted that more than ₦16 billion had been expended on retirement and death benefits from May 2023 to date.
The Head of Service commended Governor Nasir Idris for his unwavering support for civil servants, citing the construction and furnishing of the ultra-modern State Secretariat Complex, the implementation of the ₦75,000 minimum wage, and other welfare initiatives.
In his remarks, former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba, commended Governor Idris for the remarkable achievements recorded within three years in office. He said the summit was aimed at strengthening workers’ rights and promoting good governance.
He urged participants to emulate the Governor’s commitment to building a better future for workers.
Also speaking, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, represented by the President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Audu Titus Amba, applauded Governor Idris for delivering over 80 percent of his campaign promises. He also commended the organizers for hosting the summit.
He encouraged workers to remain committed to their duties and disclosed that the NLC was working towards a review of the national minimum wage through continued engagement with the Federal Government.
Comrade Amba further thanked the Nigerian Bar Association and the Human Rights Institute for organizing the summit, describing it as a strategic gathering focused on labour, social justice, and democracy at a critical time in the nation’s history.
The Chief Judge of Kebbi State, Justice Umaru Abubakar, also commended the theme of the summit and reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of civil servants.
He stated that the government would continue to partner with relevant organizations to improve workers’ welfare, noting that the dedication of the state’s civil servants has been instrumental to the success of the present administration.
Politics
Tinubu qualified to run for president despite certificate submitted – APC Ex-Legal APC Adviser, Ogala
By Umar Musa
A former National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Babatunde Ogala, on Thursday insisted that President Bola Tinubu is qualified to run for the presidency in 2027.
Ogala said Tinubu is qualified by virtue of his age and the fact that he is a Nigerian.
He made this known on Channels Television’s Politics Today while reacting to the controversy surrounding Tinubu’s qualifications.
Tinubu did not submit his primary and secondary school certificates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
This has led to widespread controversy among Nigerians.
However, Ogala said: “What does the Constitution say about qualification for office? Because I hear things like: Who are his parents? Who is his father? Who is his mother? Who is his sister? And who is his brother?
“Is he a Nigerian? The answer is yes, unless otherwise proven or determined through a judicial process. Is Tinubu qualified to run for the presidency age-wise? The answer is yes, by constitutional provisions.
“Does he have the minimum educational qualification as prescribed by the Constitution, which says educated up to School Certificate level, interpreted to mean Primary Six and the ability to read and write?
“The man says, ‘I have a degree.’ Babatunde Ogala is sitting here. I’m a Senior Advocate, and you are asking me to prove if I’m a lawyer. You want to know which primary and secondary schools I attended, where I did my A-Levels, and all of that.”
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