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Nigerian Senator seeks FG’s investment in malaria research, vaccine

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As part of efforts to eradicate malaria, which claims hundreds of thousands of lives annually in Africa, the lawmaker representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Ned Nwoko, has emphasized the need for Nigeria to develop its own vaccine production capabilities rather than relying on foreign solutions.

Speaking at a malaria vaccine workshop, Ned Nwoko canvassed that the federal government should invest in malaria research and pharmaceutical manufacturing across the continent.

The workshop, themed: “Building & Strengthening Sustainable Malaria Vaccine Manufacturing Ecosystem in Nigeria,” brought together experts, policymakers and industry leaders to discuss strategies for sustainable vaccine production.

According to a statement by his media consultant, Michael Ogah, “Senator Ned Nwoko, while emphasizing a locally produced malaria vaccine and a structured national approach to the eradication of the deadly disease, explained that the workshop was part of a long-standing commitment to malaria eradication.

The lawmaker, who also noted that individual efforts alone could not achieve the goal of eliminating the disease, called for government action, private sector investment and global partnerships.

“To institutionalize the fight against malaria, Senator Nwoko has introduced the Malaria Eradication Agency Bill (SB.172) in the Senate. The proposed agency will coordinate malaria research, vaccine production and large-scale eradication programmes in Nigeria.

“To strengthen the strategic move for the actualization of the proposed bill, a public hearing on the bill is expected by June and the senator has urged all stakeholders including government agencies, health organizations, and research institutions to support the passage of the bill.

“Malaria is not an unsolvable problem. If this were a Western disease, the global response would have been swift. The COVID-19 pandemic proved that when there is urgency, vaccines can be developed and deployed within months.

“We must take responsibility for solving our own health crises,” the statement stressed.

It further noted that malaria remains one of Africa’s deadliest diseases, particularly affecting children and pregnant women, adding that health experts believe that establishing a local vaccine production system would be a game-changer in Nigeria’s fight against the disease.

“The Senator’s bill initiative has been widely endorsed with stakeholders urging the government to provide the necessary funding and policy backing.

“As the Malaria Eradication Agency Bill moves forward in the Senate, all eyes are now on lawmakers and decision-makers to take concrete steps toward ending malaria in Nigeria,” the statement added.

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I’ve Been Diagnosed With Breast Cancer – Blessing CEO Confirms Cancer Battle, Solicits Financial Help (Video)

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Nigerian social media influencer and self-proclaimed relationship expert, Blessing CEO, has shared an update regarding her health.

In a post on her Instagram page, the relationship coach revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and that doctors have recommended urgent surgery to remove one or both breasts to stop the disease from spreading.

She explained that making the decision to undergo surgery was very difficult, describing the emotional toll and challenges she faces.

She also disclosed that her resources have been stretched, prompting her to seek financial help to cover the cost of the operation.

This development follows her earlier announcement that she would sell some of her personal belongings, including her car, wigs, and Lagos mansion, to raise funds for treatment.

She shared an account number in the video to receive contributions and asked her followers to support her in any way they can.

She said: “My name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka and I’m popularly known as Blessing CEO. I’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer. At this point, an urgent surgery is needed for amputation to stop the spread or to know how far the spread has gone.

“If they’re taking off one of the breasts or both of it, trust me, it was a very hard decision to come here. But the truth is, when predicaments like this come for you, you become powerless. I might not be able to do anything, work, influence, resources has gone into this.

“And that’s why I’m here pleading. If I have ever touched you before, if my words have ever shown any positive in your life, if you ever say Blessing CEO I love you, this is the time to show it.

“Thank you so much for the love. My phone is buzzing. God bless every one of you. Nothing is too small. I just want to be fine. Thank you so much. I’m going to put an account number on this video, hoping to start up the surgery as fast as possible. Thank you so much to those of you who reposted, shared. God bless every one of you.

“Thank you so much. I love you guys. I need all the love, all the advice I’ve given to you guys. You’re going to have to give it back to me. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. I have never been this clueless all my life.

“I thought I was a jagaban. I thought I was so strong. I thought I was so strong. Being strong is now my biggest weakness. Thank you so much. God bless you.”

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Jehovah’s Witnesses Review Blood Transfusion Policy On Members

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Jehovah’s Witnesses have announced an update on their long-standing position on blood transfusions.

In a video published on the group’s official website on Friday, the church stated that members are allowed to make personal decisions on the use of their own blood during medical procedures.

A member of the Governing Body, Gerrit Lösch, said the clarification is intended to help adherents navigate medical choices without departing from biblical teachings

The church, however, maintains that the prohibition on receiving another person’s blood still stands.

He explained that while the doctrine requiring Christians to abstain from blood remains unchanged, the scriptures do not directly address the use of one’s own blood in clinical settings.

“Regarding the use of one’s own blood…a Christian must decide for himself how his own blood will be handled in the course of a surgical procedure, medical test, or current therapy,” he said.

According to him, members are now free to decide whether to permit procedures where their blood is temporarily removed, stored, and later returned to the body.

“Some Christians may decide that they would allow their blood to be stored and then be given back to them. Others may object. Each Christian must make his personal decision on all matters involving the use of his own blood with regard to medical or surgical care,” Lösch added.

He noted that practices such as blood testing, dialysis, and the use of heart-lung machines have already been widely accepted among adherents.

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Nigerian MSc Nursing student arrested for fra¥d in India

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Meerut police in Uttar Pradesh have uncovered a major cyber fra¥d racket involving Nigerian students, arresting one suspect, Saifu Mayana Umar, an MSc Nursing student.

Victims across India were reportedly duped with promises of high returns through investments in foreign companies and stock markets. Investigations have linked Umar and his associates, including a Nigerian national named Yusuf, to at least 16 cyber fra¥d cases.

The gang allegedly used an organized network to lure victims, quickly withdrawing transferred funds through multiple bank accounts and ATMs to avoid detection. Authorities have traced transactions totaling approximately ₹45 lakh in Umar’s bank account, connected to cases mainly from southern states.

The probe involved cyber units from Telangana and Tamil Nadu, who coordinated with Meerut police to apprehend Umar from his hostel. During searches, police recovered electronic devices, ATM cards, bank passbooks, a SIM card, a passport, a cheque book, and mobile phones, all sent for forensic examination to trace the wider network.

Investigators noted that one associate attempted to des+roy banking documents, but some financial records were recovered for scrutiny. Transaction details are also being traced to follow international money flows.

During questioning, Umar admitted that some funds in his account were deposited by Yusuf and subsequently withdrawn. Other names have emerged in the investigation, and warrants are being sought, including potential international cooperation.

Umar has since been released on notice, with his passport confiscated and confinement to the university hostel.

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