Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting Service

Oyo Government Reaffirms Commitment to Oral Healthcare Delivery

Health

Christopher Ojilere

-

April 2, 2026

Oyo Government Reaffirms Commitment to Oral Healthcare Delivery

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening oral healthcare delivery through strategic collaborations aimed at improving access to quality dental services and promoting oral health awareness among residents across the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, reiterated this during activities marking the 2026 World Oral Health Day at the Ministry’s Conference Room.

She emphasised that oral health is an integral part of overall well-being and should not be treated as separate from general health.

She commended the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the health sector under the Omititun 2.0 agenda, saying his administration continues to prioritise initiatives that improve the well-being of the people in meaningful and sustainable ways.

While noting that the government has taken steps to strengthen preventive and promotive healthcare, the Commissioner admonished every citizen to take personal responsibility for their oral health and to share the important message within their homes and across their communities.

She stated: This year’s theme,“A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life, delivers a simple but powerful message. It is time to bring oral health to the forefront of our public health agenda.”

Oyo State Takes Campaign Against Disease to Grassroots

The commissioner enjoined the people to adopt a holistic, life-course approach that integrates oral health into the broader healthcare delivery system, promotes prevention, and empowers them to make healthier choices.

Dr Ajetunmobi noted: “A key milestone is the integration of basic oral healthcare services into antenatal care across our primary healthcare facilities. Through this, pregnant women now receive oral health education, screening, and preventative care as part of routine maternal services.”

Dr Ajetunmobi appreciated the support of Aspira Nigeria Limited and other collaborating partners on oral health, disclosing that their collaboration continues to strengthen the reach in promoting oral health across the State.

Oral Health Awareness

Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Akintunde Ayinde, reiterated that the essence of Oral Health Day celebration is to raise awareness about oral health, as well as to improve universal access to oral health because data shows that only a few people pay cognisance to their oral health.

Dr Ayinde maintained that oral health care requires joint efforts, as the state is also working towards universal health coverage by 2030.

While delivering the Oral Health Education titled “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life”, Dr Chisom Fajimi, the Deputy Director of Medical Services, Hospitals Management Board, emphasised the importance of maintaining good oral health, noting that the mouth is an integral part of the body and must be properly cared for to ensure overall well-being.

She demonstrated practical techniques for effective tooth brushing and explained that many oral diseases can be prevented through proper oral hygiene practices, reiterating that a healthy mouth contributes to a healthy life.

A representative of Aspira Nigeria Limited, Mr Subair Babajide, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting oral health awareness campaigns in Oyo State.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Nigerian Dental Association, Oyo State Chapter, Dr Adeola Akintola; the Chief Dental Nurse from the University College Hospital, Mrs Ojo, dental technologists, dental surgery technicians and dental therapists present at the event, harped on the need for the public to promote oral hygiene.

The professionals revealed that most oral health conditions are largely preventable and can be treated in their early stages without the associated morbidities.

The event also featured oral health screening for members of staff at the Oyo State Secretariat Clinic.

2027: Governor AbdulRazaq Gets Approval to Contest Senatorial Seat

Politics

-

April 2, 2026

0

2027: Governor AbdulRazaq Gets Approval to Contest Senatorial Seat

The 52 All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward chairmen in the Kwara Central senatorial district of Kwara state, North Central Nigeria, have unanimously endorsed the incumbent Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for the position of Senator representing Kwara Central in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

The Ward chairmen, under the aegis of the APC Ward Chairmen Forum, and led by their chairman, Abdulahi Baba Gobir, said that Governor Abdulrazaq, being an indigene of the area, understands their yearning and aspirations better.

“Our resolve is for the sake of welfare and development of the masses in the Kwara Central. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq knows us and knows our problems better. That’s why we see in him that he’s the right person to occupy the seat and we want him to come out and represent us as Senator, Kwara Central senatorial district come 2027”, he said.

The Ward chairmen while addressing newsmen at a press conference in Ilorin, the capital city, said that the endorsement of the governor was in consideration of the tradition of rewarding leadership with greater responsibility, adding that it was not borne out of mere political consideration, “but a sincere and collective desire to see continuity of purposeful leadership, experience, and people-oriented governance at a higher level of national representation”

“It reflects the voice of the grassroots, the pulse of the people, and the confidence reposed in a leader who has consistently delivered.”

On the 2027 general elections, the Ward chairmen disclosed that they are committed to supporting all candidates that will emerge through the party’s legitimate processes.

“As Ward Chairmen and gatekeepers of the party at the grassroots, we shall mobilize across all communities to ensure that the APC not only retains its stronghold in Kwara State but continues to remain the party of choice for the people beyond 2027″.

He said called on all members of the APC across Kwara state to remain steadfast, united, and supportive of Governor AbdulRazaq. “This is a time for consolidation, not division; for progress, not distractions”.

The Ward chairmen, who described the conduct of the Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses of the party across Kwara State as successful, said that the “exercises were not only peaceful and
transparent but also reflective of the maturity and internal democracy that define the APC as a progressive and people-oriented party.

“We particularly commend Governor AbdulRazaq for providing the enabling environment that ensured the success of these congresses. His leadership style, anchored on fairness, inclusiveness, and development, continues to inspire confidence among party members and the general public.

As grassroots leaders and direct representatives of the people at the ward level, we bear witness to the numerous people-centered initiatives and impactful projects being executed under this administration. From infrastructural development to youth and women empowerment, His Excellency has consistently demonstrated a genuine commitment to improving the lives of Kwarans”.

Voice of Nigeria, Indonesian Embassy Partner to Tackle Misinformation

Nigeria

Kamila Bello

-

April 2, 2026

0

Voice of Nigeria, Indonesian Embassy Partner to Tackle Misinformation

Voice of Nigeria (VON) is set to partner with the Indonesian Embassy in Nigeria to address misinformation, disinformation, and misconceptions affecting both countries in the global arena.

The Director-General of VON, Jibrin Baba Ndace, disclosed this while receiving the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Bambang Suharto, during a courtesy visit to the organisation’s headquarters in Abuja.

Malam Ndace said the visit underscores the growing bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Indonesia, noting that both nations share common values, cultural diversity, and a commitment to global cooperation.

“Both nations are vibrant, diverse, and culturally rich, bound by shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision for global cooperation,” he said.

He commended Indonesia’s founding fathers for their vision in fostering ties between Africa and Asia, adding that VON was similarly established as an external broadcasting service to project Nigeria’s image globally.

VON Seeks Partnership With NARC to Promote Nigeria’s Image

WPRF Committee Designates Voice of Nigeria as Key Broadcast Partner

The Director-General reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting accurate, balanced, and culturally sensitive reporting, stressing the need for stronger collaboration in an era marked by the rapid spread of false information.

“We believe that partnerships such as this between Voice of Nigeria and Indonesian Embassy and by extension other media organizations in Indonesia will help to strengthen cooperation and help shape a more positive global narrative about our countries,” he added.

The Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace,

Ndace noted that information about countries like Nigeria and Indonesia is often filtered through third-party sources, which can distort realities, emphasizing the importance of direct engagement in storytelling.

“Indonesia holds a special place as one of the Asian most dynamic countries with a rich heritage, strong democratic institutions and a globally recognized Voice in international affairs, through the ASEAN and other platforms,” the Director General added.

He also highlighted VON’s current multilingual broadcasting in eight languages—Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, English, Fulfulde, French, Arabic, and Kiswahili—with plans underway to expand into Mandarin and Bahasa Indonesia.

“Voice of Nigeria will soon begin broadcasting in Bahasa which is the largest spoken language in Indonesia and other parts of Asia so that both countries can tell their stories to the world.

“These languages will enable us to reach diverse audiences across Africa and beyond, sharing Nigeria’s perspective with the global community. We are ready to work closely with the Embassy and government owned media organizations so that we can work through a partnership in content production and sharing,” he said.

Content Exchange to Combat Fake News

In his remarks, Ambassador Suharto pledged to strengthen collaboration between national radio stations in Indonesia and VON, particularly in the area of content exchange to combat misinformation and fake news.

He said efforts were already underway to deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Indonesia, especially in economic and political spheres.

The Ambassador noted that both countries share similar historical and demographic characteristics, with large populations and diverse cultures, making it essential for them to take control of their narratives.

He stressed that enhanced media cooperation would play a critical role in promoting accurate information and strengthening ties between the two nations.

“We have to focus on Nation building, one Nation, one goal to develop both countries together,” the Ambassador added.

Nigeria and Indonesia will celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations beginning 1965. Both countries at the moment have an opportunity to deepen their cooperation in the field of media and as well strengthen their relationship.

Egypt, Uganda Discuss Impact of Iran Conflict on Africa’s Economy

Africa

Simon Stephanie

-

April 2, 2026

0

Egypt, Uganda Discuss Impact of Iran Conflict on Africa’s Economy

Uganda’s state minister for foreign affairs, Henry Oryem Okello has met with Egypt’s foreign minister Badr Abdelatty in Cairo to assess the impact of the ongoing Iran-related conflict on Africa’s energy security, inflation and food prices.

Speaking at a joint press briefing in Egypt’s new administrative capital, the two officials highlighted the growing economic strain on African countries as global energy prices surge amid escalating tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

The meeting comes as Egypt grapples with rising fuel costs and seeks to reduce energy consumption. Authorities have introduced nationwide early closing times for shops, restaurants and cafés—an unusual step in a country known for its vibrant nightlife.

READ ALSO: Egypt Condemns Israeli Aggression Against Iran

Energy prices have climbed sharply since late February, when U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran triggered retaliatory attacks by Tehran on oil and gas infrastructure in the Persian Gulf, along with disruptions to shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The fallout has been particularly significant for Egypt, which relies heavily on imported fuel. With a population exceeding 100 million, the country consumes an estimated $20 billion worth of petroleum products annually, including fuel for power generation. It imports roughly 28 percent of its gasoline and 45 percent of its diesel.

Beyond energy concerns, Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting water infrastructure projects in Uganda and across the southern Nile Basin, including dam construction initiatives.

The discussions underscore growing concern among African governments over the ripple effects of global geopolitical conflicts on already fragile economies.

AFRICA NEWS

Central Security Clearing System Upgrades Investor Onboarding Services

Business and Tech

Oluwasola Akintonde

-

April 2, 2026

0

Central Security Clearing System Upgrades Investor Onboarding Services

The Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the efficiency of the Nigerian capital market and delivering better service to its stakeholders.

CSCS, which is a Public Limited Company with a diversified shareholder base, including the Nigerian Exchange Group, promised that it will continue to engage stakeholders through structured communication, technical onboarding sessions, and industry sensitization initiatives to ensure readiness and alignment as the initiative progresses.

This recommitment was emphasized when the CSCS announced some enhancements to its investor onboarding processes aimed at improving efficiency, strengthening service delivery, and enhancing the overall experience for participants in the Nigerian capital market.

The enhancements are designed to support faster account creation, improve the processing of investor data, and enable more seamless interaction across market participants, including exchanges, brokers, registrars, commercial banks, fintech companies, and other operators.

As part of these improvements, CSCS is implementing upgrades to its Account Opening System (AOS), alongside additional services and support to ensure stakeholders can transition smoothly and benefit from a more efficient onboarding framework.

The enhancements will also provide clearer processes for obtaining and retrieving Clearing House Numbers (CHN), improved system performance, and better integration across the market ecosystem.

SEC Announces Nigerian Capital Market Transition To T+2

Speaking on the initiative, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of CSCS, Mr. Shehu Shantali, said, “By strengthening our onboarding processes and support framework, we are enabling easier access to the market and positioning it for sustained growth.”

Also commenting, the Divisional Head, Business Technology & Digital Innovation, Mr. Tobe Nnadozie, highlighted the operational impact stating that, “The enhancements to our onboarding systems are focused on delivering greater speed, reliability, and scalability. Beyond the technology, we are also ensuring that stakeholders have the necessary support and guidance to navigate these improvements seamlessly.”

With over two decades of operation, serving as the Central Securities Depository for the Nigerian Capital Market, CSCS has been pivotal to the growth and transformation of the capital market, including its full dematerialization of share certificates and shortening of the settlement cycle in the capital market.

CSCS serves as the Central Depository for Equities, Commercial Papers, Corporate Bonds, Sub-National Bonds, certain Sovereign Bonds (such as the FGN Sukuk and the FGN Savings Bond), Equity-traded Funds, Real estate Investment Trusts, Mutual funds and Commodities.

South African Troops Deploy Amid Cape Town Gang Violence

Africa

Simon Stephanie

-

April 2, 2026

0

South African Troops Deploy Amid Cape Town Gang Violence

South African troops have deployed to gang-ridden townships in Cape Town, as fresh violence claimed two lives nearly 50 days after the government ordered military support.

Soldiers in full combat gear rolled into areas including Mitchells Plain in armoured vehicles, reinforcing police efforts to curb escalating gang activity in the Cape Flats.

The deployment comes as two men, aged 25 and 33, were shot dead in an early morning attack in nearby Hanover Park. In a separate incident hours earlier, a 27-year old man was wounded in Mitchells Plain.

Residents say the violence remains relentless. “I am afraid for my children,” said a 65-year-old grandmother, who fears her home is being used by gangs for surveillance. “All night, I don’t sleep.”

Another resident, 69-year-old Malvin Gordan, said shootings occur at all hours, including when children are commuting to school. Still, he described the arrival of soldiers as a deterrent, noting that their “presence alone” has forced gang members to retreat.

South Africa Tackles Political Killings, Extortion

The Cape Flats has long been a hotspot for violent crime, with turf wars between rival gangs fuelling frequent killings. In August last year, the area recorded one of its deadliest weeks, with 59 murders in just seven days.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the military deployment in February, citing crime as one of the country’s most pressing challenges. South Africa has one of the highest homicide rates globally outside active war zones, averaging around 60 killings per day.

The operation, codenamed “Operation Prosper,” will run for a year and spans five provinces, including Gauteng, home to Johannesburg. More than 2,200 soldiers have been mobilised to support police in tackling violent crime and illegal mining.

The country has repeatedly turned to the military during periods of unrest, including enforcing COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 and responding to the 2021 riots following the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma.

Troops were also deployed in 2019 to assist police in the Cape Flats, underscoring the persistent challenge of gang violence in the region.

AFRICA NEWS

President Tinubu Names Shu’aibu Aliyu PTDF Boss

Nigeria

Kamila Bello

-

April 2, 2026

0

President Tinubu Names Shu’aibu Aliyu PTDF Boss

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has appointed Professor Shu’aibu Shehu Aliyu as the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF).

Aliyu replaces Ahmed Galadima Aminu, who recently resigned to participate in the 2027 governorship election in Adamawa State.

A statement issued on Thursday by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that the President has also renewed Engineer Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz’s appointment as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for a second and final term.

Both appointments take immediate effect.

President Tinubu Approves Measures to Prevent Jos Attack Recurrence

President Tinubu Postpones Ogun Trip, Heads to Jos

Professor Aliyu, the new PTDF helmsman, is a distinguished academic and seasoned administrator with extensive experience in research, education, and institutional leadership. His appointment underscores the President’s commitment to strengthening key institutions in the petroleum sector and advancing capacity development for Nigeria’s energy industry.

The President expects him to leverage his wealth of experience to reposition the PTDF for greater impact in human capital development, innovation, and strategic support for the oil and gas sector in line with national priorities.

Grid Stability and Transmission Capacity

President Tinubu also renewed Engineer Abdulaziz’s appointment following a comprehensive assessment of his performance and leadership of the nation’s transmission network.

Under his stewardship, TCN has recorded notable improvements in grid stability, transmission capacity expansion, and system modernisation, reinforcing its critical role in Nigeria’s electricity value chain.

Engr. Abdulaziz brings over three decades of experience in the power sector and has also strengthened regional electricity integration through his leadership in the West African Power Pool (WAPP).

President Tinubu urged both appointees to discharge their responsibilities with diligence, integrity, and a strong sense of national service, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

APC Set for Landslide Victory in 2027-Speaker Abbas

Politics

Ejiofor Ezeifeoma

-

April 2, 2026

0

APC Set for Landslide Victory in 2027-Speaker Abbas

Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Honourable Tajudeen Abbas has projected a landslide victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election.

He declared that the ruling party now enjoys overwhelming support and remains firmly rooted across Kaduna State.

Speaker Abbas made the declaration at the State House, Abuja, when he led a high-powered delegation of prominent Kaduna stakeholders on a visit to President Tinubu, including Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South, and Senator Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central between 2015 and 2019.

Describing the visit as a strategic engagement, the Speaker said the delegation came to brief the President on the increasing strength and acceptance of the APC across Kaduna State.

“This is Kaduna in summary. We are here to assure Mr. President that APC has been accepted 100 per cent in all the nooks and crannies of Kaduna, and to tell him that 2027 is guaranteed a landslide from zone one to zone two to zone three,” Abbas said.

He attributed the political shift to the “ingenuity” and inclusive governance style of Governor Uba Sani, which he said has attracted broad-based support across religious and regional divides in the state.

Abbas noted that the delegation was deliberately drawn from the three senatorial zones of Kaduna State, underscoring what he described as a broad and united political front.

He noted that unlike in previous election cycles, when the APC’s strength was largely concentrated in the northern and central parts of the state.

According to him, recent political developments have significantly widened the party’s influence to the southern zone, long regarded as a traditional stronghold of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Speaker also pointed to recent defections into the APC, noting that Senator Sunday Marshall Katung and other elected officials from the PDP had joined the ruling party, a development he said has further consolidated the APC’s dominance across Kaduna State.

“We are battle-ready to ensure that Mr. President and all other APC candidates secure landslide victories in 2027,” he said.

In his remarks, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung said efforts were ongoing to woo more political actors into the APC, noting that the party had already made significant inroads in the state.

He also commended President Tinubu for impactful interventions in his senatorial district, including the establishment of a university and a Federal Medical Centre.

“We have done our homework and are still working to bring those on the sidelines into the APC. We have seen what the President has done, particularly for my senatorial district, including a university and a Federal Medical Centre,” senator Katung said.

He added that the projects, alongside developmental strides by the state government, have fostered a sense of inclusion in Southern Kaduna, encouraging widespread support for the ruling party.

Also speaking, Senator Shehu Sani said Kaduna State was witnessing an unprecedented political alignment.

He added that for the first time in the state’s history, the Muslim North and Christian South were united in support of the re-election of Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Reps Begin Probe of Port Concessions, Seek Accountability

Nigeria

Kamila Bello

-

April 2, 2026

0

Reps Begin Probe of Port Concessions, Seek Accountability

The House of Representatives has commenced a comprehensive probe into the performance of concessionaires operating Nigeria’s air and sea port terminals, with a strong call for transparency, accountability, and value for money over the past two decades.

The Chairman of the ad-hoc committee, Mr. Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo, said during an investigative hearing with stakeholders that the exercise is a critical phase in the committee’s assignment.

He said the probe would assess the effectiveness of the port concession regime introduced in 2006, which was aimed at improving efficiency, attracting private investment, and boosting infrastructure development in the aviation and maritime sectors.

“This session marks a critical phase in the committee’s assignment. Today, we shall engage directly with terminal operators whose roles have been central to the concession regime introduced nearly two decades ago,” he said.

He noted that the policy was designed to deliver measurable economic benefits to the Federal Government and Nigerians, stressing that the committee would determine whether those objectives had been achieved.

“The committee’s mandate is clear: to assess performance, determine value for money, identify gaps, and ensure that the intended objectives of these concessions have been met in a transparent and accountable manner,” Akinlayo added.

He urged concessionaires to provide factual and verifiable accounts of their operations, investments, and compliance with concession agreements, emphasizing that the integrity of submissions would guide the committee’s final recommendations.

“We expect full cooperation, candour, and professionalism from all parties,” he said.

Reps Probe Sugar Import Data, Revenue Discrepancies

Reps Demand Financial Reports from Top Government Officials

Significant Investments Made

Speaking at the hearing, the Executive Director, Ports and Cargo Terminal at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Lukeman Olaruwanju, highlighted significant investments made by terminal operators in equipment and infrastructure.

He disclosed that operators had exceeded some of their initial equipment obligations, noting that while only 20 trucks were originally required, operators currently deploy about 125 trucks for operations, alongside increased capacity in other cargo-handling equipment.

He further detailed investments in equipment such as reach stackers, forklifts, terminal tractors, and empty container handlers, with combined monetary values running into tens of millions of dollars, as well as infrastructure upgrades, including quay reinforcement and maintenance facility renovations.

The NIMASA official also noted improvements in operational efficiency, deployment of information technology systems, cybersecurity upgrades, and human capital development.

The committee is expected to continue its hearings with other stakeholders as it works toward a comprehensive report on the impact of port concessions on Nigeria’s economy.

NITDA, NIPSS Seek Stronger Collaboration on Tourism Development

Nigeria

Kamila Bello

-

April 2, 2026

0

NITDA, NIPSS Seek Stronger Collaboration on Tourism Development

The Director-General of NTDA, Dr. Olayiwola Awakan, has expressed enthusiasm for engaging stakeholders on tourism development, noting that he is always excited to discuss the vast opportunities within the sector.

Dr. Awakan made the statement when he received the leadership of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Jos, alongside participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48, at the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

As part of the visit, the Director-General delivered a presentation titled: “Orange Economy and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Growth in Nigeria: The NTDA Perspective.”

The lecture highlighted the strategic role of tourism within the Orange Economy, emphasizing its capacity to drive innovation, create jobs, promote cultural heritage, and contribute significantly to national economic diversification and sustainable development.

Following the presentation, the delegation, led by Professor Musa Emmanuel Umar, commended the Director-General for his visionary leadership and impactful initiatives within the tourism sector.

“You are not just a political appointee but a practitioner in your own right. We consider NTDA a critical actor in this industry,” Professor Umar noted.

He further emphasized the readiness of NIPSS to collaborate with NTDA in addressing sectoral challenges and developing actionable policy recommendations aimed at promoting Nigeria’s tourism potential on the global stage.

The interactive session underscored the importance of strategic partnerships between policy institutions and implementing agencies. It also highlighted the shared commitment of both NIPSS and NTDA to strengthening tourism development through informed policy formulation, institutional collaboration, and sustainable initiatives.

The visit marks a significant step toward fostering synergy between both institutions in advancing Nigeria’s tourism agenda.

Oral Health Awareness

Content Exchange to Combat Fake News

Grid Stability and Transmission Capacity

Significant Investments Made

HEALTH

ENTERTAINMENT & TOURISM

WORLD

NEWS COMMENTARY

NEWS FEATURE