President Tinubu Approves N10bn Emergency Ebola Fund

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Bola Ahmed Tinubu 

ABUJA, NIGERIA  — In a proactive move to shield the nation from a potential healthcare crisis, President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate release of N10 billion in emergency intervention funding. The financial injection aims to fortify Nigeria's defenses against a potential Ebola virus outbreak, following a recent resurgence of cases in parts of Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.

Alongside the massive funding, the Presidency announced the formation of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats. The specialized committee will be chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and will unite various federal agencies and state representatives to ensure a swift, coordinated national response.

According to an official statement released on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the administration is prioritizing national health security and rapid response capacity. The presidency emphasized that the funds are strategically earmarked to scale up surveillance and response infrastructure.

“The fund will strengthen the operational preparedness of the National Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and support critical national public health emergency response activities,” the statement noted.

With the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) leading the medical frontline, the federal government has directed a sweeping overhaul of security at all major entry points. Particular focus will be placed on international airports, where strict biosecurity protocols are currently being rolled out.

The presidential directive mandates the immediate "intensification of passenger screening at all international airports, including enhanced temperature checks and crowd-control protocols," to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

To ensure seamless compliance, the newly formed task force will collaborate with key aviation, border, and transport regulatory bodies. These include: FAAN (Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria), NIS (Nigeria Immigration Service), NCAA (Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority)

As part of the emergency containment strategy, Nigeria’s health officials will enforce mandatory health declaration systems for all inbound travelers. Dedicated isolation centers at the Lagos and Abuja international airports are also being fully activated to handle any suspected cases immediately.

The Gbajabiamila-led task force has been ordered to implement stricter monitoring on passengers arriving via high-risk routes. Furthermore, President Tinubu has directed that airport facilities, cargo zones, and baggage areas undergo rigorous, routine disinfections.

To prevent any gaps in the defense chain, the task force is empowered to coordinate directly with diplomatic, security, and aviation agencies. Their mandate includes regulating flights originating from heavily impacted regions and designating specific airport terminals for high-risk arrivals to ensure maximum containment.

LASU Appointments: Badagry Chairman Hunpe Celebrates Emmanuel Fanu and Olabisi Yusuf on Historic Core Roles

 By: Manoah Kikekon

Emmanuel Fanu, Babatunde Hunpe and Olabisi Yusuf 

BADAGRY, LAGOS — Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, has extended his warmest congratulations to two distinguished administrators, Mr. Emmanuel A. Fanu and Mr. Olabisi Yusuf, FCA, following their high-profile appointments to the management team of Lagos State University (LASU).

In an official statement made available to journalists on Thursday, June 11, 2026, Hon. Hunpe celebrated the choices made by the university's Governing Council, describing the appointments as a massive win for meritocracy, institutional stability, and dedicated public service.

The council approved the reappointment of Mr. Emmanuel A. Fanu as the Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council for another four-year term, while simultaneously appointing financial heavyweight Mr. Olabisi Yusuf, FCA, as the new substantive Bursar of the institution.

Speaking on behalf of the government and the entire people of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Hunpe lauded Mr. Fanu’s remarkable trajectory within the university's ranks, tracing his growth from a foundational administrative role to the very pinnacle of academic management.

"This remarkable reappointment is a fitting recognition of your exceptional administrative acumen, unwavering dedication, and outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Lagos State University over the years," Hon. Hunpe stated. 

"Your journey from Administrative Officer II to the pinnacle of university administration is a testament to the enduring values of diligence, competence, integrity, and service."

The council’s decision to retain Fanu, according to the local government boss, reflects a deep-seated confidence in his capacity to steer one of Africa's leading higher education institutions toward global competitiveness.

"As a distinguished administrator whose professional excellence has earned recognition both within and beyond Nigeria's academic community, you have consistently demonstrated the capacity to provide purposeful leadership and institutional stability," Hunpe added, wishing the Registrar wisdom and sound health for his second four-year tenure.

In the same vein, Hon. Hunpe heartily cheered the appointment of Mr. Olabisi Yusuf, FCA, to the office of the University Bursar, noting that his two decades of unblemished financial stewardship within LASU made him the ideal candidate to protect and optimize the institution's treasury.

"Your appointment is a deserving recognition of a distinguished career marked by professionalism, financial expertise, integrity, and unwavering commitment to institutional excellence," the statement read. 

"Having dedicated over two decades of meritorious service to Lagos State University, rising through critical positions within the University's financial management structure, you have consistently demonstrated exceptional competence and leadership in the stewardship of public resources."

With extensive experience managing treasury operations, complex budgeting, and donor-funded projects, Yusuf's transition to the chief financial role is seen as a strategic move to ensure the institution's long-term financial health.

"As you assume office as Bursar, I am confident that your wealth of experience, sound judgment, and commitment to accountability will further enhance the financial sustainability and institutional advancement of Lagos State University," Hon. Hunpe added.  

Hunpe, concluding that "Your appointment also serves as an inspiration to countless professionals who believe in the virtues of diligence, excellence, and dedicated service."

Lagos 2027: Kweme Indigenous Youths Applaud President Tinubu, Celebrate Damilola Sonayon-James as Lagos Deputy Governor

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS — In an atmosphere charged with immense joy and cultural pride, the Youths, traditional leaders, community chiefs, and the good people of Kweme Kingdom converged on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to celebrate their daughter, Hon. Damilola Sonayon-James, following her landmark announcement as the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.

The gathering took place at the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Sejiro Olalekan James (JP), the Aholu of Kweme Kingdom, where community members explicitly expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the APC for recognizing grassroots loyalty and merit.

Speaking at the palace, Pascal Ajande, a youth representative in the community, emphasized that her emergence is a continuation of a profound family legacy dedicated to the development of Badagry and Lagos State.

"We all know the history of her grandfather and her father, Hon. Bolarinwa Seyon James, who was a member of the House of Representatives for Badagry from 1999 to 2003," Ajande stated.

 

"Their good work in service is well known. Today, Hon. Damilola Sonayon-James is continuing that same legacy. She is known for caring for people, her love for the community, and her focus on development."

Ajande further extended the kingdom's profound gratitude to the apex leadership of the party.

"We are using this medium to appreciate all stakeholders who have made this possible, most importantly Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership. We also thank Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State APC Chairman, party leaders, the Chairmen in Badagry, and our royal fathers. Today is a win for Kweme, Badagry, and Lagos State. It shows that hard work, loyalty, and service bring rewards."

The announcement has triggered widespread optimism across the region, with many pointing to her exceptional performance during her tenure as the Supervisor for Agriculture in the Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

Raji Usman, the youth leader of Kweme Kingdom, recalled her inclusive governance style during her time in local administration.

"There is a lot we can say about her when she was the superstar for Agriculture in Badagry West LCDA," Usman remarked. "She did a lot in Kweme Kingdom and she did not restrict it to Kweme alone. She extended her impactful work to Farasime, Aseri, Iroso Ogologbo, and Gedun. Someone who could do all that as a supervisor will definitely do better in a higher office. She knows what we lack because she has always lived here with us."

An elder in the community, Dauda Mautin, shared the overwhelming emotion that gripped the kingdom upon hearing the political breakthrough.

"When I heard she was announced as the incoming Deputy Governor for 2027, I was so joyous that I couldn't eat throughout that day," Mautin confessed. "We are certain that our challenges, like good roads, youth employment opportunities, and electricity, will be addressed. My advice to all residents of Badagry West is to show total love to her and this administration, and ensure we come out en masse to vote to secure her success."

The enthusiasm is equally strong among women groups in Badagry, who describe Hon. Sonayon-James as a unifying figure capable of driving gender-inclusive growth in Lagos State.

Affirming their readiness for the upcoming political campaign, women leader Fajinu Kudirat stated:

 "Hon. Damilola Sonayon-James is a hardworking woman who loves bringing women together. There is nothing we need from her within her capacity that she won't give us, and we are completely ready to support her at any time."

The Kweme youth leadership concluded by reassuring the state leadership that the kingdom stands fully behind their daughter, expressing absolute confidence that she will serve the state with honesty, wisdom, humility, and excellence.

Lagos Assembly Committee on Tourism Storms ‘Point of No Return’ Following Exposé on Projects, Assures Residents of Quality Work

By: Manoah Kikekon

BADAGRY, LAGOS — In a swift reaction to investigative media spotlighting, the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism and Ministry of Tourism has paid an oversight visit to the ongoing infrastructural projects at the historic Point of No Return in Gberefu, Badagry on Wednesday June 10 2026.

The high-powered delegation, led by Hon. Bonu Solomon Saanu the lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency I and Chairman of the House Committee on Tourism was at the site to inspect the Quality Assurance of the ongoing developments.

The legislative intervention comes directly on the heels of an exclusive investigative report by News Peddlers, which exposed substandard construction practices on the tourist footpath, by the contractor, Sageto Limited and the fear of the residents that the Tunnel structure has lost its quality to stand the test of time.

Following the News Peddlers report, immediate corrective measures were visible at the site. Workers were seen laying protective nylon sheeting before setting down the interlocking stones a standard engineering practice that had been previously bypassed.

Addressing journalists during the inspection, Hon. Bonu Solomon Saanu confirmed that the House took action immediately after the media report went viral online.

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"We've seen it online that substandard job is going on here and we have sought approval from the Speaker to come and see what is going on," Hon. Bonu stated. "In the current Assembly, we don't need to wait for formal petitions; whatever public concern we see, we take it seriously."

The lawmaker explained that his team rigorously inspected the Footpath, the Attenuation Well, and the historic Tunnel. While acknowledging the immediate improvements made by the contractor post-media exposure, he demanded full transparency.

"We have interrogated the contractor vis-à-vis the Ministry of Tourism and have asked for specific documents which must be submitted to the House of Assembly for strict review," Hon. Bonu added. "We have seen some things that should be adjusted. However, I want the publisher of the article to hold on and make sure the job gets to 90% completion before further complaints. A key thing about tourism is maintenance, and there is always room for future improvement."

Local stakeholders in Gberefu noted that while they have had to step in as watchdogs, the legislative visit has brought much-needed accountability to the historic site.

Chief Samson Hungbo, the Baale of Gberefu, revealed that the community leadership had previously noticed structural discrepancies on the site.

"The work they are doing here is not bad, but myself and my cabinet have come here on at least two occasions where we saw things that were not proper. We corrected them, and they took to the corrections," the Baale remarked. "This visit by the lawmakers is good because they can now confirm what we have been saying with their own eyes."

Expressing appreciation for the swift political response, a Gberefu resident told News Peddlers:

"I really commend the efforts of Hon. Bonu Solomon Saanu. We wouldn't have achieved this level of contractor compliance without his consistent effort. We hope he gets more opportunities to bring good things to his people."

Addressing the critical concerns raised regarding structural degradation due to coastal elements, the engineering team assured the public that the core infrastructure remains sound.

Mr. Alabi, the project's structural engineer, explained to News Peddlers in a separate engagement that the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean presents unique environmental challenges that are now being aggressively mitigated.

"The outer surface has rusted, but it is not structurally compromised. Some metals that have totally rusted are just thrusts—they are not really carrying any weight, and we have already changed them," Mr. Alabi explained. "The foundation is still very strong; the major thing needed was continuous maintenance. We are sealing the whole body this time to prevent future rust, because exposure to sea water is the primary culprit."

Providing a definitive timeline for the delivery of the premium tourism asset, the project's Quantity Surveyor, Adejo Oshaba, assured residents and cultural enthusiasts that the wait would soon be over.

"All the projects we have here will be fully completed in the next six months, and the people will see the world-class quality for themselves," Oshaba stated.

Mother Detained After Throwing Disabled 5-Year-Old Into River on Seer's Orders

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

A wave of outrage has swept across Nigeria following the apprehension of a woman in the Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. The mother was detained by local community members after she allegedly threw her five-year-old disabled child into a river—a drastic action reportedly fueled by the instructions of a self-acclaimed spiritual seer based in Benin City.

The disturbing incident came to light on Tuesday after videos surfaced and rapidly circulated on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter). The footage, initially shared by a digital creator, has triggered intense public debate regarding the dangerous influence of unregulated spiritualists and the vulnerabilities of desperate parents.

According to the details accompanying the viral video, the woman resorted to the horrific act after being convinced by a local prophet that her child was spiritually compromised. Speaking to community members who cornered her, the mother defended her actions by explaining her prolonged struggle with secondary infertility. She revealed that she had been unable to conceive another child since giving birth to the five-year-old, who had been unable to walk since birth.

Desperate for a solution, she sought spiritual intervention from a seer in Benin City, who allegedly blamed the disabled child for her plight.

“The seer told me that the child was a python and that if I did not get rid of the child, I would either continue giving birth to children with the same condition or never conceive again,” she confessed in the video.

Driven by the chilling prophecy, the woman reportedly took the vulnerable child to a nearby river and threw him into the water.

The viral footage has sparked a massive outcry online, with thousands of Nigerians condemning both the mother's actions and the deceptive nature of false prophets. While many expressed outright fury, others lamented the deep-seated superstitions that still plague many communities.

Reacting to the heartbreaking development on social media, an X user wrote:

“Someone told you to throw your own child and you accepted. I have said this before, some people don’t deserve to be mothers.”

Another commentator expressed a mix of sympathy and blame, pointing fingers at the spiritualist:

“I pity the lady though, she’s tired of the child and at the same time needs another, I blame the seer for deceiving her, but what if the seer is true?”

Expressing utter disbelief at the breakdown of maternal instinct, a third netizen added:

“This is unbelievable….a mother who is supposed to be full of affection and love for a child is the one throwing him/her into a river. Who has bewitched her or what could have turned her to cold stone like this?”

As public pressure mounts for justice, official state authorities are working to verify the exact details of the harrowing event. At the time of compiling this report, the Edo State Police Command had not yet released a formal statement regarding the arrest.

When PUNCH contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command indicated that she was not yet formally briefed on the situation and could not provide an immediate reaction. Local authorities and emergency responders have yet to independently confirm the current whereabouts or the physical condition of the five-year-old child.

Nationwide Registration Opens for Historic Geneith Health Competition

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

LAGOS, NIGERIA – Registration has officially commenced for the groundbreaking Geneith Health Competition, a first-of-its-kind national initiative designed to mobilize secondary school and tertiary institution students across Nigeria. This ambitious campaign aims to eliminate malaria and create a healthier future for the nation by transforming young Nigerians into active agents of public health change.

The competition is organized by CEOAFRICA, sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceutical Limited, and powered by Coatal Forte Softgel. In a major boost for the initiative, it is being held in partnership with the Department of Public Health of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, representing a bold and innovative response to Nigeria’s persistent malaria burden.

Announcing the opening of the registration portal, the Initiator of the competition and Managing Director of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Sunday Iloabanafor, described the initiative as a historic opportunity for students, parents, educational institutions, and communities across the federation to participate in a movement that could redefine Nigeria’s public health landscape.

According to Prince Iloabanafor, the Geneith Health Competition is not merely another awareness campaign, but a national call to action that places young people at the center of the fight against one of the country’s most devastating diseases. He urged Nigerians to embrace the initiative with confidence and determination, drawing inspiration from nations that have successfully overcome malaria through coordinated public health efforts and citizen participation.

“Other nations have stood where we are standing today, took decisive collective action, and successfully eliminated this disease through deliberate public health policies,” Prince Iloabanafor stated. “Nigeria is the Giant of Africa and the natural leader of this continent. If other nations could achieve this feat, Nigerians can do even better and establish a new benchmark for Africa.”

The initiative has already begun generating immense excitement among students nationwide. Many participants view the competition as a rare opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to national development while gaining valuable knowledge and leadership experience.

Health professionals and stakeholders have warmly welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention capable of translating awareness into measurable community action and accelerating the nation’s progress toward a malaria-free future. Project coordinator Adams echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the competition is a transformative platform that goes far beyond conventional health campaigns.

“This is more than a malaria awareness initiative,” Adams said. “It is a life-saving mission that empowers students to become active participants in protecting their communities. By equipping young people with the right knowledge and tools, this competition is turning an entire generation from passive victims of a public health challenge into frontline champions of change.”

Adding his voice to the campaign, the Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited and primary sponsor of the competition, Mr. Emmanuel Umenwa, challenged Nigerian youth to seize the opportunity and become drivers of a new healthcare reality for the country. Speaking during an exclusive interview, Chief Umenwa emphasized that the future of Nigeria’s health sector rests heavily on the energy, creativity, and commitment of its young population.

“Young people represent the future of this nation, and they possess the power to permanently transform Nigeria’s healthcare narrative,” Chief Umenwa said. “This initiative is about enabling them to lead that transformation rather than inheriting the burden of preventable diseases.”

Chief Umenwa noted that while conventional, top-down approaches to malaria control have achieved significant gains, they are no longer sufficient to secure complete eradication.

“Unless we fully carry young people along in this fight, malaria elimination will remain a distant goal,” he warned. “The energy, digital literacy, innovation, and sheer population strength of Nigerian youth are the critical ingredients required to finally win this decades-long battle.”

He further described the competition as a strategic investment in the future of healthcare leadership and advocacy in Nigeria, adding that the initiative would contribute significantly to sustainable human capital development by inspiring participants to pursue lifelong commitments to health promotion and community service.

The partnership aligns seamlessly with the broader objectives of the Department of Public Health of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which has continually emphasized the importance of community-driven strategies. In its official letter of partnership, the department noted that achieving long-term success against malaria requires moving beyond periodic interventions and embedding prevention efforts into everyday community life, particularly at the grassroots level.

To accomplish this vision, every registered participant will undergo specialized training and be empowered to serve as a certified "Malaria Ambassador." Through this process, students will acquire practical knowledge and advocacy skills that will enable them to:

Champion malaria prevention within their schools.

Promote healthy behaviors in their immediate communities.

Drive targeted awareness campaigns across local government areas.

Organizers believe that this grassroots approach will create a powerful nationwide network of youth advocates capable of translating the Zero Malaria vision into tangible results across every corner of the federation. Prince Iloabanafor stressed that the initiative comes at a critical moment, as the social and economic impact of malaria continues to place enormous pressure on healthcare systems nationwide.

Students, educational institutions, youth organizations, and stakeholders across the country are encouraged to take immediate advantage of what observers are calling one of Nigeria’s most innovative public health interventions.

Registration for the Geneith Health Competition is now officially open and can be completed online through the competition portal at **[www.geneithhealthcompetition.com](http://www.geneithhealthcompetition.com)**.

As momentum continues to build, the initiative is poised to become a defining national movement—one that empowers young Nigerians to lead the charge toward a future where malaria is no longer a threat, but a chapter permanently closed in the nation’s history.

Badagry LG Chairman Hunpe Hails Emergence of Damilola James as Deputy Governorship Candidate

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

 

Babatunde Hunpe and Damilola Sonayon-James 

LAGOS, NIGERIA — In a major political development shaping the future of Lagos State, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, fMHR, has formally congratulated Hon. Damilola Sonayon James on her historic emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship candidate for the upcoming Lagos State Governorship election.

Sonayon James, the current APC Deputy State Woman Leader for Lagos State, is set to run alongside the party's standard-bearer, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.

Speaking on the historic development, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe described the selection of Sonayon James as a massive milestone that underscores the core values of the progressive movement in Lagos. He noted that her elevation is a clear testament to her years of quiet diligence and grassroots mobilization.

"This historic development is a fitting recognition of competence, loyalty, capacity, and years of unwavering commitment to the progressive ideals that have shaped the remarkable growth and development of Lagos State," Hunpe stated. "It is also a powerful affirmation of the increasing role of women in leadership and governance, demonstrating that leadership is not defined by geography or gender, but by character, competence, and the ability to serve."

For the people of the Badagry Division, the nomination carries an even deeper emotional and strategic weight, signaling a deliberate effort by the state’s political leadership to ensure peripheral border communities are given a seat at the highest decision-making table.

"For us in Badagry Federation, this moment carries profound significance. It is not merely the emergence of a candidate; it is the elevation of a worthy daughter of our land to a position from which she can contribute meaningfully to the governance and continued transformation of Lagos State," Hunpe added.

The local government chief extended his immense gratitude to national and state leaders who facilitated this inclusive transition. Chief among them is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whom Hunpe described as the foundational architect of the state's modern political framework.

"I wish to express profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the architect of modern Lagos and leader of our progressive family, whose enduring vision continues to shape a political culture that rewards merit, loyalty, inclusion, and service," said Hunpe.

He further commended the current Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and the incoming flagbearer, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, for maintaining the developmental trajectory that has long made Lagos a model state in Nigeria.

The decision has sent waves of excitement through various party organs, including the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and the state chapter of the APC under the chairmanship of Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi. According to Hunpe, the victory belongs to everyday party faithful who believe that hard work eventually paves the path to higher responsibility.

"Today is not only a victory for Hon. Damilola Sonayon James; it is a victory for women, a victory for grassroots politics, a victory for inclusion, and a victory for the enduring ideals of progressive governance," Hunpe remarked.

Concluding his message, the Council Chairman charged the sons and daughters of Badagry, both at home and across the diaspora, to rally firmly behind the joint ticket to ensure shared prosperity and broader development for the entire region.