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Israel Targets Syrian Defense Ministry Amid Clashes in Sweida

FELA OLAGUNJU
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Israel Targets Syrian Defense Ministry Amid Clashes in Sweida

Israel’s military confirmed it struck the entrance of Syria’s defence ministry in Damascus on Wednesday, intensifying its operations in support of the country’s Druze minority amid escalating violence between Syrian government forces and Druze fighters.

The strike marked the third consecutive day of Israeli attacks in Syria, following renewed fighting in the southern city of Sweida, where clashes between Druze militias and government-aligned forces have flared.

Security sources inside the ministry told Reuters that two drone strikes hit the facility, forcing officers to shelter in the basement. Syrian state broadcaster Al-Ikhbariya reported that two civilians were wounded in the Israeli strike.

According to the Israeli military, the airstrike targeted “the entrance gate of the Syrian regime’s military headquarters complex” in Damascus. It was part of ongoing efforts to monitor and respond to threats against Druze civilians in southern Syria.

Throughout Wednesday, Israeli strikes also targeted areas in Sweida, a majority-Druze city, where an overnight ceasefire quickly collapsed. Syrian state media and local sources reported a sharp escalation in fighting.

The Syrian military had deployed troops to the Sweida region earlier in the week, initially to mediate clashes between Druze fighters and Bedouin armed groups. However, government forces soon found themselves in direct conflict with Druze militias.

Local news outlet Sweida24 reported that the city and nearby villages were under intense artillery and mortar fire on Wednesday morning. In response, Syria’s defence ministry accused“outlaw groups in Sweida of violating the ceasefire, according to state news agency SANA.

Authorities urged residents to stay indoors as fighting intensified. Several locals reached by Reuters said they were sheltering in their homes without electricity, fearful of the ongoing violence.

reuters/s.s

Nigeria Adopts Food Labels to Fight Non-Communicable Diseases 

Manomsi Mallum
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Nigeria Adopts Food Labels to Fight Non-Communicable Diseases 

In a significant step to tackle the rise in diet-related illnesses, the Nigerian government has officially adopted Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) to help Nigerians make healthier food choices and reduce the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

The announcement was made on Wednesday in Abuja by Ms. Daju Kachollom, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, during the inauguration and inaugural workshop of the National Technical Working Committee on FOPL. Kachollom was represented by Dr Okara Dogara, Senior Technical Adviser.

She described the adoption of FOPL as a major milestone in the implementation of the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality and its 2023 Implementation Plan.

“We come together to pool our expertise and give voice to every Nigerian who deserves transparency and trust when choosing what to purchase and serve at their tables,” Kachollom stated.

NCDs: A Growing National Health Threat

Highlighting the increasing NCD burden, Kachollom said that nearly 30 per cent of all deaths in Nigeria are linked to diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses.

“For Nigerians aged 30 to 69, the risk of premature death from NCDs is 22 percent.

“These figures represent families burdened by medical costs, anxious parents, and a nation grappling with preventable illnesses,” she added.

She noted that Front-of-Pack Labelling, which uses simple symbols, colours, and brief texts, will enable consumers to make quick and informed dietary decisions.

“Whether it’s mothers in Kano identifying high salt content, students in Lagos avoiding trans fats, or fathers in Port Harcourt making informed choices, FOPL can save lives and ease pressure on our health system,” she said.

The initiative builds on earlier nutrition policies, including Nigeria’s Sodium Reduction Guidelines launched in March 2024 and NAFDAC’s trans-fat elimination regulations introduced in 2022.

Read Also: Kano Begins Health Manager Training Across LGAs

Support from Global Health Partners

Dr Pindar Wakawa, Technical Officer for Nutrition at WHO Nigeria, commended the commitment of stakeholders in promoting healthy food policies, noting that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development targets a one-third reduction in NCD-related premature deaths.

“Overconsumption of unhealthy foods drives obesity, hypertension, and high blood sugar — all key risk factors for NCDs,” he said.

He cited WHO’s 2018 country profile, which states that NCDs account for 29 per cent of all deaths in Nigeria, with cardiovascular disease responsible for 11 percent and cancer for 4 percent.

Wakawa added that WHO supports FOPL as one of the most effective interventions in tackling diet-related illnesses.

Call for Consumer Empowerment

Ms. Joy Amafah-Isaac, In-Country Coordinator for Food Policy and Nutrition at the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), stressed that Nigerians have a right to understand the content of their food.

“Promoting healthy diets has a direct impact on productivity and national well-being,” she said.

Committee’s Mandate and Next Steps

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the newly inaugurated National Technical Working Committee on FOPL is tasked with developing national guidelines, recommending a labelling system, and reviewing global best practices for local adaptation.

Other responsibilities include:

  • Validating a nutrient profiling model
  • Analysing local research on design elements such as colour and text
  • Aligning the FOPL policy with existing national standards
  • Proposing a regulatory roadmap
  • Facilitating stakeholder consultations
  • Designing public education campaigns
  • Overseeing monitoring and evaluation during the pilot phase.

Kano Begins Health Manager Training Across LGAs

Manomsi Mallum
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Kano Begins Health Manager Training Across LGAs

The Kano State Government has commenced training for health managers across its 44 local government areas, aimed at strengthening operational planning, monitoring, and evaluation within the state’s health sector.

Speaking during the training session on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran, stated that the initiative would enhance the efficiency of health programmes by equipping managers with the necessary skills to develop realistic plans, track implementation, and evaluate health outcomes.

Dr Labaran explained that the training is part of broader efforts to improve health system performance and overall health indicators in the state.

“The aim of the training is to decentralise knowledge to grassroots health officers across the state,” he said.

Read Also: Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Achieving Universal Health Coverage

Organised by the Kano State Ministry of Health, the training targets Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officers and focuses on building their capacity for Annual Operational Planning (AOP) in the health sector.

He emphasised that the initiative seeks to promote rational, realistic, pragmatic, and comprehensive health planning to enhance service delivery for residents across Kano State.

The training, he added, is expected to build capacity at the ward level, enabling health personnel to develop one- to three-year operational plans tailored to local needs.

Progress in Routine Immunisation

Dr Labaran also highlighted significant progress in routine immunisation, particularly in response to recent disease outbreaks, including diphtheria.

He noted that the present administration has revitalised routine immunisation services and is actively working with community leaders and ward heads to boost participation.

“Every child in Kano must be immunised,” the commissioner declared, urging parents and guardians to bring their children to health facilities for vaccination.

Stakeholder Support

In his remarks, Nazifi Mahmud, Chairman of the Monitoring and Evaluation Officers’ Forum in Kano, described the initiative as timely and essential, stressing its relevance to daily health programming and service delivery.

Abeokuta Will Produce Africa’s Next Athletics Stars – Alake of Egbaland

Mosunmola Ore
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Abeokuta Will Produce Africa’s Next Athletics Stars – Alake of Egbaland

As hostilities set to take centre stage at the CAA African U18/20 Athletics Championship holding in Abeokuta, Ogun state.

The Alake of Egbaland, HRM, Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, has expressed confidence that the next generation of Africa athletics Super Stars will come out of the Championship.

READ ALSO: Nigeria names 92 athletes for 3rd CAA U18/U20 Championships

The Alake expressed the strong optimism when the Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Bukola Olopade, the Osi Osoju Oba of Egbaland, led a delegation of the Confederation of African Athletics, CAA, to a courtesy visit to his Royal Highness in his palace in Abeokuta on Tuesday.

The Paramount ruler of the Egba people said Abeokuta as the host city of the junior championship, boost of rich Cultural heritage and history.

“First of all, I want to say i am very happy that our son, Hon Bukola Olopade, is the Director General of sports in Nigeria and we are so proud with the work he is doing to develop Nigeria Sports.

“We are also very happy to be staging this championship here in Abeokuta and I am very confident that many of the young talents that are participating in this championship will soon begin to shine all over the world”.

“And it might also interest our visitors to know that Abeokuta is the first town to produce a Traditional Ruler to go to Europe in 1904 in the whole of West Africa. We signed a treaty of friendship with the British in 1893 so when the British had the whole of Nigeria as a colony we were not part of it”, he said.

The Alake also urge the CAA officials to take full advantage of their presence in the state by ensuring they experience the rich culture and hospitality of Egbaland.

“Before you all leave Abeokuta I want to urge you to visit the first Presidential Library in West Africa – the Olusegun Obasanjo Library. You should also visit our local market and buy our adire which is our export to the world. In all you do, take something from Abeokuta, that will remind you of your coming”, he added.

The President of CAA, Halmad Kalkaba Malboum expressed his great appreciation to his Royal Highest , the Alake of Egbaland and used the medium once again to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for creating the platform and support that enabled Nigeria and Ogun state to host the championship in the shortest possible time after the withdrawal of Algeria, the former host.

The CAA President was accompanied to the visit by the full gamut of his executive board and other top officials of the World Athletics family.

Nigerian University Shines in T.H.E. Ranking

Lateefat Ibrahim
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Nigerian University Shines in T.H.E. Ranking

The latest Times Higher Education, THE Impact Ranking 2025 has been released with a privately owned varsity in Nigeria, the Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State emerging as a leading institution in sustainability and research excellence.

The university ranked first globally for SDG 6, which focuses on addressing clean water and sanitation.

According to the institution’s Corporate Affairs Directorate, Redeemer’s University earned the global recognition owing to its research efforts in sustainable water resource management, wastewater treatment, and ecosystem preservation.

It noted that the instruction’s African Centre of Excellence for Water and Environmental Science Research (ACEWATER) contributed immensely to the feat.

Speaking on the ranking, Professor Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, Vice-Chancellor of the university, praised the efforts of the institution’s researchers, urging them to keep pushing the boundaries of research and innovation.

“This ranking validates our unwavering commitment to sustainability, research excellence, and global impact.

“It represents the starting point of our ambition to position Redeemer’s University among the best globally,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor called for more investment in research capabilities and collaborative initiatives, stressing that such investments were catalysts to innovations and development.

“By fostering international partnerships, Redeemer’s University aims to amplify its impact on global challenges, particularly those affecting Africa, such as healthcare disparities, sustainable resource management, and climate change,” the VC explained.

Adetunji Adeleye, the institution’s Director of Corporate Affairs expressed pride in the institution’s global performance, emphasising its effect on attracting partnerships for sustainability practices.

“Redeemer’s University remains open to global partnerships aimed at tackling critical issues facing humanity today,” he stated.

The University also did well in SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), ranking first in Nigeria.

It secured commendable positions in SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for Goals), placements which emphasize the university’s holistic approach to sustainability and development.

Lateefah Ibrahim

Trump Moves To End Crypto Week Legislation

Christopher Ojilere
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Trump Moves To End Crypto Week Legislation

US President Donald Trump has stepped in to broker an agreement among Republican lawmakers after a snag cast doubt on the fate of long-awaited cryptocurrency legislation that would mark a major victory for the digital assets sector.

A failed procedural vote in the House of Representatives earlier sent shares of crypto firms lower. But the Republican president said in a statement that he was meeting in the Oval Office with 11 of 12 members of Congress needed to pass the legislation.

“After a short discussion, they have all agreed to vote tomorrow morning in favor of the Rule,” Trump said on his social media platform.

Meanwhile, House Republicans had billed this week as “Crypto Week,” and were keen to advance numerous pieces of legislation aimed at providing clarity to the digital asset industry and long-sought legitimacy to the sector.

Several conservative Republicans earlier joined with Democrats in blocking a procedural vote to allow consideration of three crypto bills as part of a dispute over how the measures should be packaged and considered.

Shortly after that vote, House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters that he planned to continue discussing the matter with members and hoped to vote on it again shortly.

Shares of crypto-related stocks, including Circle Internet and Coinbase Global, fell on the news of the vote but then pared losses.

The House is attempting to pass a series of crypto-related bills, most notably a bill that would establish a regulatory framework for stablecoins.

Stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a constant value, usually a 1-to-1 dollar peg, are commonly used by crypto traders to move funds between tokens. Their use has grown rapidly in recent years, and proponents say they could be used to send payments instantly.

That bill and another that the House is considering, which would define when a crypto token is a commodity, would be a huge win for the crypto industry.

The House was also set to consider a bill that would prohibit the US from issuing a central bank digital currency. Republicans say there is a risk this could give the government too much control over Americans’ personal finances.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REUTERS/Christopher Ojilere

 

AANI Mourns Former President Buhari’s Passing, Celebrates Legacy

Lateefat Ibrahim
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AANI Mourns Former President Buhari’s Passing, Celebrates Legacy

The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), a Nigerian policy and leadership think-tank, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, hailing him as an embodiment of integrity, accountability and selfless leadership.

AANI President Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor extended heartfelt condolences to Buhari’s family, the government and people of Katsina State, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the wider Nigerian public.

“His contributions to nation-building and governance are immeasurable,” he said.

Former President Buhari’s life reflected a unique political trajectory: a former military ruler (1984–1985) who returned three decades later to serve two terms as a democratically elected president (2015–2023).

Admiration and criticism

During both eras of his leadership, he was widely known for his uncompromising stance against corruption, a trait that earned him both admiration and criticism at home and abroad.

Joining the Nigerian Army in 1962, Buhari held numerous senior command positions, rising to national prominence in the 1980s. His military regime was marked by stringent anti-graft campaigns and attempts to restore discipline in public life.

“We honour a man whose disciplined and focused leadership left a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s democratic evolution, ” he stated.

As a civilian president, he focused on security, economic reform, and anti-corruption measures, maintaining Nigeria’s role as a regional powerbroker in West Africa.

The Association called on Nigerians to reflect on his legacy and unite in prayer for peace and prosperity during this moment of grief.

The group also commended President Tinubu and the federal government for their “dignified handling of this national tragedy.”

President Buhari’s passing marks the end of an era for one of Africa’s most influential post-colonial leaders — a man whose complex legacy continues to shape political discourse across the continent.

Lateefah Ibrahim

Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Achieving Universal Health Coverage

Manomsi Mallum
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Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Achieving Universal Health Coverage

The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), while emphasising the importance of innovation, investment, and collaboration across Africa.

Speaking at the African Health Business (AHB) Symposium held in Abuja, Dr Salako described UHC as not merely a health objective but a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of poverty reduction, economic growth, and sustainable development.

The symposium, themed “Leveraging Innovation to Advance Universal Health Coverage,” served as a high-level platform for policymakers, private sector leaders, and development stakeholders to share strategies on accelerating UHC progress by 2030.

Read Also: Jigawa State Begins Implementation of Health SWAp Initiative

Slow but Steady Progress in Africa

While acknowledging that most African countries have adopted UHC as a strategic objective, Dr Salako expressed concern over the slow pace of progress.

Citing World Health Organization (WHO) data, he revealed that the Service Coverage Index for Africa increased from 23 in 2000 to only 44 in 2021.

“With just five years to 2030, we must multiply our efforts almost tenfold to meet our targets,” he warned.

He urged African countries to restructure their health systems around people-centred Primary Health Care (PHC) models while leveraging innovative financing, governance, and service delivery mechanisms.

“Innovation is not optional; it is the engine to drive us forward,” he added.

Nigeria’s Advancements Toward UHC

Highlighting Nigeria’s own progress, Dr Salako pointed to key reforms such as the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, which mandates health insurance for all citizens and legal residents. He also noted increased implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).

He reported that all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) now have functioning state-level health insurance agencies, and that Nigeria has witnessed a 15% increase in insurance coverage over the past two years

“Other key achievements include the revitalisation of 17,000 PHCs to level two status by 2027 and the Presidential Initiative to boost local manufacturing of medicines and health products, supported by executive orders removing tariffs and VAT on pharmaceutical inputs.”

Dr Salako also stressed the potential of digital health innovations, including telemedicine, electronic medical records, and AI-driven diagnostics, to expand access to quality healthcare, especially in underserved rural and hard-to-reach areas.

Challenges and a Call to Action

Despite notable progress, the minister acknowledged persistent challenges such as underfunding, high out-of-pocket expenditures, health workforce migration, and infrastructure deficits.

He called for:

  • Sustainable financing models;
  • Strengthened public-private partnerships;
  • Regional and cross-border collaboration.

“As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu always says, Nigeria is open for business. We invite investments that support our drive towards universal access to healthcare,” Dr Salako stated.

He urged participants to translate ideas from the symposium into tangible policies and partnerships that will deliver results.

“Let us build a continent where no one is left behind, where every African can enjoy the right to health and a future of dignity.”

Ugandan Election Season Sparks Supernatural Surge

Hauwa Mustapha
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Ugandan Election Season Sparks Supernatural Surge

As Uganda heads into its election season, some candidates are turning to unconventional methods to gain an edge.

In Eastern Uganda, Rosie Mukite, a witch doctor, says she has seen a noticeable increase in visits from political hopefuls seeking supernatural help.

“When a person comes and asks me if they will go through or fail, I normally give them some medicine so they can win the election and their opponent will not go through,” she said. “There are many people coming now because of the election season.”

Witchcraft is widely practiced in Uganda and, in many areas, is woven into daily life.

In the capital Kampala, it’s not uncommon to see adverts from witch doctors offering to catch thieves, bring back lost lovers, and now, to help politicians win the upcoming 2026 elections.

Researcher Steven Masiga says the secrecy around this practice is expected. “In an election period nobody tells with certainty if they are winning an election,” he said. “People make contacts here and there. At least they have conduits to the witch doctor irrespective of the offices.”

However, not all candidates support such practices, Peace Khalayi, a Catholic running for Parliament, says she has resisted calls to use witchcraft to boost her campaign.

“I do not believe in going for witchcraft to go ahead of opponents,” she said. “I believe in Christianity. I focus on praying to God, fasting, and I know a breakthrough will come.”

Some witch doctors prefer to be called traditional healers, but public association with them remains controversial.

Africanews/Hauwa M.

SABMF Pays Tribute to Late President Muhammadu Buhari

Lateefat Ibrahim
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The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) has paid tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a symbol of resilience, service, and patriotism to nation-building.

In a statement issued by its Director General, Abubakar Umar, the foundation noted that Buhari’s life was marked by unwavering dedication, discipline, and patriotism, leaving an indelible legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of Nigerians.

The statement highlighted Buhari’s rise from humble beginnings to becoming a Military Head of State from 1983 to 1985, where he instituted policies aimed at restoring discipline and combating corruption.

The foundation also noted Buhari’s historic achievement as the first Nigerian to defeat an incumbent president in a general election in 2015 and his re-election in 2019, which underscored the trust Nigerians placed in him.

SABMF described Buhari’s legacy as a testament to his commitment to nation-building and his unwavering dedication to the service of Nigeria.

“Late President Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria were vast and impactful. His commitment to national security, infrastructure development and agricultural reforms laid a foundation for sustainable development.

“Late President Buhari’s life was a testament to the values of integrity, discipline, and service similarly championed by our Foundation.

Late President Buhari also believed in the unity and progress of Nigeria, particularly in fostering national cohesion. His decision to contest the presidency multiple times, undeterred by earlier losses, reflected his unyielding commitment to our Country’s advancement”.

Umar said, “as we grieve this monumental loss, the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation calls for national introspection and reflection on the state of our nation, the challenges we face, and the commitment required to overcome them.

“Buhari’s life reminds us that leadership demands sacrifice, courage, and a relentless pursuit of justice. We must honor his memory by recommitting to the ideals of good governance, equity, and unity that he stood for.

“We extend our deepest condolences to late President Buhari’s family, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians. May his soul rest in peace in the exalted Aljannah Firdaus, and may his legacy inspire us to forge a stronger, more united nation,” Umar stated.

Lateefah Ibrahim

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