MILO: St Jude, King Amakree advance to finals

By Admin

 St. Jude Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Bayelsa State, and King Amakree Academy, Rivers State, have secured places in the 26th MILO Basketball Championship National Finals after emerging champions of the Atlantic Conference held in Asaba, Delta State.

The two schools booked their tickets to the national finals after defeating their opponents in keenly contested finals at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.

St. Jude Girls outclassed Urhobo College 46-25 to claim the girls' title, while King Amakree Academy edged the same school 47-44 in a thrilling boys' final.

Their victories mark the latest stage in this year's championship, which has attracted entries from more than 13,000 schools across Nigeria, underlining the growing popularity of the competition among secondary school students.

For St. Jude Girls, Anthonia Obokawe proved decisive. The Bayelsa star, wearing jersey number four, scored 12 points to help her team cruise to victory and was subsequently named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the girls' category.

In the boys' competition, Edmund Hart of King Amakree Academy delivered a standout performance, scoring 22 of his team's 47 points to earn the MVP award.

Speaking at the event, Category Manager for MILO at Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, said the championship remains an important platform for nurturing young talent and building life skills through sport.

"These students are not only competing for medals. They are learning teamwork, discipline, resilience and the confidence to overcome challenges. We are proud to support a platform that helps young people discover their potential and pursue excellence," he said.

The championship, now in its 26th year, has become one of the country's most enduring school sports competitions, producing generations of young athletes while promoting healthy competition and personal development.

The Atlantic Conference follows earlier regional qualifiers across the country.

In the Savannah Conference, Government Secondary School, Zing, Taraba State, won the girls' category, while Family Support Programme Secondary School, Katsina State, emerged champions in the boys' division.

At the Central Conference, Government Secondary School, Gboko, Benue State, claimed the girls' title, while Father O'Connell Science College, Niger State, won the boys' category.

With the Atlantic Conference now concluded, attention shifts to the Western Conference, the final qualifying stage before the national finals.

The winners of that conference will join the already qualified schools at the 26th MILO Basketball Championship National Finals scheduled for July 2, 2026, at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The event drew officials from the Delta State Ministry of Education as well as representatives of the Nigerian School Sport Federation (NSSF), the Nigeria Community Sport Federation (NCSF) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

Water crisis puts 10m pupils, 161m Nigerians at risk

 

By Admin

More than 161 million Nigerians still rely on contaminated water sources even as millions of children are exposed to disease keeping them out of school and undermining their future.

The scale of the problem came into focus as Nigeria joined other African countries to mark the 2026 Day of the African Child on June 16, themed, "Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa," and drawing attention to a basic need that remains out of reach for many children across the country.

In a statement to commemorate the day, Save the Children International remarked that about seven out of every 10 Nigerian children are deprived of basic water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services even as only 26.5 percent of the population has access to improved drinking water and sanitation facilities, while more than 10 million pupils attend schools without basic sanitation.

“For many families, the daily routine begins with a search for water, and in the rural communities, children often trek long distances to streams, ponds and other unsafe sources. What appears to be a normal part of life can carry serious consequences.

“Unsafe water and poor sanitation continue to fuel outbreaks of diarrhoea, cholera and typhoid. Health experts estimate that more than 70,000 Nigerian children under the age of five die each year from diarrhoeal diseases, many of them linked to poor hygiene, unsafe drinking water and inadequate sanitation.

“In many schools, children learn in environments without functioning toilets or places to wash their hands. Teachers say illnesses associated with poor sanitation contribute to absenteeism, while many adolescent girls miss classes because schools lack facilities that allow them to manage their menstrual hygiene safely and privately.

“The healthcare system faces its own challenges. Only six per cent of health facilities in Nigeria have basic WASH services, raising concerns about infection prevention and patient safety. Despite years of campaigns and investment, open defecation remains widespread. An estimated 22 per cent of Nigerians still practise it, increasing the risk of contamination of water sources and the spread of infectious diseases,” the statement noted.

Deputy Country Director, Save the Children International, Jane Mbagi Mutua said the situation demands urgent attention.

"Millions of children in Nigeria continue to face daily challenges because they lack access to clean water, safe sanitation and proper hygiene facilities. The urgency of action has never been clearer," she said.

According to Mutua, ensuring that every child has access to clean water and sanitation will require stronger commitment from governments, development partners, communities and the private sector.

She noted that children in poor and underserved communities continue to bear the heaviest burden, despite the fact that access to water and sanitation is recognised globally as a basic human right.

“The theme calls for renewed commitment from governments, partners, and communities to ensure that every child, regardless of where they live, has access to safe, reliable, and sustainable WASH services,” Mutua said, noting that to change the story for millions of children, urgent and collective action is needed.

“Government must increase funding and accelerate implementation of national WASH strategies, development partners and donors should prioritise long-term, sustainable WASH investments, and communities must embrace improved hygiene practices and support efforts to end open defecation.”

Further, Mutua said private sector actors can drive innovation and expand access through partnerships.

On his part, House Leader, Katsina State Children's Parliament, Muhammad Aminu said, “Every African child deserves clean water, safe sanitation, and good hygiene. This is not charity. It is an investment in health, dignity, education, and the future of Africa.”

His remarks reflect a growing concern that while access to clean water is often discussed as a development goal, for millions of children it remains an everyday struggle.

Stakeholders called for increased investment in water infrastructure, faster implementation of national WASH policies and greater efforts to end open defecation. They also want communities to play a more active role in promoting hygiene practices that can help prevent disease.

It was agreed that the reality is that millions will return home from school to communities without safe water, toilets or places to wash their hands. For them, the conversation about water and sanitation is not about targets and policies, but about health, safety and the simple chance to grow up without preventable disease.

After 50, poor sleep more dangerous than you think

 

By Admin

Health experts have urged people in their 50s and 60s to take sleep more seriously, warning that consistently poor sleep can increase the risk of several chronic health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes.

The warning comes amid growing concerns over the impact of sleep deprivation on physical and mental health, particularly among middle-aged and older adults.

Sleep expert and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of The Sleep Charity, Lisa Artis, said poor sleep should not be dismissed as a normal part of ageing, stressing that quality rest plays a critical role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing.

"Midlife is a key period for sleep because it is often when the risk of long-term health conditions starts to rise. For people in their 50s and 60s, poor sleep should not be seen as an inevitable consequence of getting older."

She said regular sleep deprivation has been linked to a higher risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity, anxiety, depression and diabetes. It can also make existing health conditions more difficult to manage.

Her comments follow findings from a survey which found that sleep problems are widespread across different age groups.

The survey revealed that nearly 70 percent of respondents reported difficulty getting adequate sleep. Young adults were among the worst affected, with 80 per cent of those aged 16 to 24 reporting sleep challenges, while 77 per cent of respondents aged 35 to 44 also struggled to get sufficient rest.

Experts attributed the trend to rising stress levels, financial pressures, demanding work schedules and social anxieties.

Artis said sleep should be treated with the same importance as healthy eating and regular physical activity.

"One poor night's sleep is not necessarily a problem, but when poor sleep becomes a regular pattern, it places additional strain on the body and affects how well people recover, cope with stress and maintain good health," she explained.

Health experts say prioritizing sleep could play a major role in preventing chronic diseases and improving quality of life, particularly among older adults who face a higher risk of long-term health complications.

EBOLA: Health writers demand inclusion in Presidential Task Force

By Admin

The Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) has enjoined President Bola Tinubu to include specialised health journalists in the newly established Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats, arguing that effective communication is critical to preventing a potential outbreak in the country.

The association made the appeal while commending the President for approving an immediate ₦10 billion emergency intervention fund and setting up the task force as part of measures to strengthen Nigeria's preparedness against the Ebola threat.

In a statement signed by HEWAN's President, Vivian Ihechu, and General Secretary, Temitope Obanyedo, the association described the move as timely and proactive, saying it is coming at a period of growing concern over the rapidly expanding Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, where over 100 deaths have been recorded.

Noting that the success of any national Ebola response would depend not only on surveillance systems, laboratories and isolation centres, but also on the quality of information reaching the public, HEWAN urged the to go a step further by including specialised health journalists, particularly members of the association, in the newly established Presidential Task Force.

“As the Federal Government structures its multi-sectoral defense against this lethal pathogen, HEWAN urgently appeals to President Tinubu to include specialized health journalists, specifically members of HEWAN, as integral components of the Presidential Task Force. Public health crises are fought as much on the airwaves and in print as they are in isolation wards and laboratories,” they said.

HEWAN argued that without a dedicated communication structure embedded within the country's highest Ebola response body, efforts to contain a highly infectious disease could be undermined by misinformation, public anxiety and slow dissemination of critical health.

“The strategic inclusion of specialized health writers is heavily backed by historical precedent. During Nigeria's astounding containment of Ebola in 2014, health writers of HEWAN stood on the frontlines as indispensable allies to health authorities.

“When panic threatened to derail clinical isolation efforts, it was trained health journalists who accurately translated complex epidemiological data into clear, actionable public advice.

“By utilizing their deep understanding of virus transmission, these media professionals successfully countered harmful myths, such as the infamous and lethal ‘saltwater bath’ rumour, saving countless lives through rapid, evidence-based reporting. 

“The 2014 victory proved that health writers are not passive observers, but essential public health first responders who bridge the gap between scientific containment and civic cooperation,” they stated.

The association maintained that integrating HEWAN members into the Presidential Task Force would deliver immediate benefits to Nigeria's biosecurity strategy.

“ First, it ensures the seamless creation of aggressive, accurate awareness campaigns that resonate with Nigeria's diverse demographic landscape. HEWAN members possess the unique editorial expertise required to drive grassroots sensitization, breaking down medical jargon into accessible, everyday language that informs rather than panics.

“Second, having seasoned health writers inside the committee guarantees that the federal government maintains control of the public narrative.

With false claims, conspiracy theories and misleading health information spreading rapidly on digital platforms, the association said trained health communicators can help identify and neutralise harmful narratives before they gain public acceptance.

“Excluding HEWAN risks creating a dangerous communication gap where misinformation can thrive. We cannot take public compliance for granted; without expert health journalists, panic and deadly rumours will outpace containment efforts.

“Ultimately, an effective public health response requires absolute synergy between clinical strategy and community behaviour. HEWAN represents a disciplined, institutionalized corps of writers uniquely equipped to foster this alignment,” they stated.

HEWAN maintained that successful outbreak management requires a strong partnership between public health authorities and trusted communicators who can bridge the gap between scientific expertise and public understanding.

“By granting health writers a seat at the table, President Tinubu will ensure that the N10 billion emergency fund is supported by a robust, world-class communication infrastructure.

“We must act collectively to keep Nigeria safe. Health security is a collaborative habit, and HEWAN stands fully prepared to deploy its nationwide media network to guarantee that this national intervention achieves absolute success,” the association noted.

Experts push phytase as low-cost solution to Nigeria's nutrition crisis

 

By Admin

 

Scientists, nutrition experts, food regulators, researchers and development partners have identified phytase, a naturally occurring enzyme found in cereals, grains and other plant-based foods that limits the body's ability to absorb essential nutrients, as a practical way to improve the nutritional value of staple foods widely consumed across Nigeria.

This position which is seen as a potential game changer in Nigeria's fight against micronutrient malnutrition, emerged at a multi-stakeholder roundtable  in Lagos to examine the scientific evidence behind potential benefits of phytase and its possible role in improving nutritional value of staple foods such as bread, pap and sorghum-based products.

The discussions came amidst rising concerns about the combined effects of food insecurity, poverty and micronutrient deficiencies, and  centred on the long-standing nutrition challenge of ensuring that nutrients present in food are absorbed and utilised by the body.

Speaking at the meeting, Sight and Life Foundation's Africa Advisor, Dr. Mairo Mandara, explained that many staple foods in Nigeria contain essential nutrients such as iron, zinc and calcium, but the body's ability to absorb the nutrients is often limited by phytic acid, a naturally occurring compound  in grains and legumes.

“Phytase is an enzyme that helps address this problem by breaking phytic acid and releasing these nutrients, making them more available for absorption.

“We are sharing research findings generated so far and discussing how they can be used in the interest of Nigerians.

“The studies were conducted in Nigeria, including work involving bread, pap and sorghum products, additional studies have been recommended including cost analyses and further evaluations involving consumers and manufacturers,” she said.

Mandara said Nigerians have long benefited from traditional food-processing methods such as fermentation, which naturally reduce phytic acid levels.

“Foods such as fermented cereals, pap, masa and kunu-zaki already gain nutritional advantages through this process, including improved availability of vitamins, minerals and proteins.”

She said phytase could build on these existing practices and further enhance nutrient absorption in foods consumed daily by millions of people.

“Phytase adds only a fraction to production costs and should not place any burden on consumers. There are no safety concerns as phytase becomes inactive during cooking and processing, much like yeast used in bread making. By the time the food is consumed, the enzyme has already completed its function,” she said.

Noting that implementation would potentially begin soon, Mandara said “If adopted, phytase could improve the absorption of iron, calcium and zinc, while also enhancing protein digestibility.”

Also speaking, Kamaluddeen Babagana of the Department of Biochemistry, Bayero University Kano, said the use of phytase could complement Nigeria's existing food fortification programmes.

“Unlike conventional fortification,  phytase functions as a processing aid. It is introduced during manufacturing, performs its role by breaking down phytate and becomes inactive before the final product reaches consumers.”

On his part, Food Technology Manager at Sight and Life, Daniel Amanquah, said phytase  represents an important opportunity to address a major nutritional challenge associated with cereal-based diets.

He noted that the enzyme has already been recognised internationally and is being used in several countries, with no known adverse effects.

Although the initiative remains at the research and clinical evaluation stage, stakeholders at the meeting expressed optimism that phytase could eventually become an important addition to Nigeria's nutrition strategy.

Consumer acceptance studies have already been carried out and the formulation has been adjusted so that there is no noticeable difference in taste compared to conventional products.

Samuel Akinyode, State Coordinator of Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), said because of the enzyme's potential contribution to improving nutrition outcomes nationwide, but cautioned that public acceptance would require deliberate engagement and sustained awareness campaigns.

He recalled that food fortification initiatives and other food technologies initially faced public skepticism before gaining wider acceptance.

"People may not understand the science immediately, but they understand better health outcomes. The benefits must be communicated clearly," he said.

He said stakeholder consultations are already examining issues such as consumer preferences, market realities, implementation strategies and industry readiness.

Questions have also been raised about the possible impact on food prices, but Akinyode said information presented by researchers suggests that introducing phytase into food production would increase manufacturing costs by less than one per cent, making it unlikely to have any significant effect on retail prices.

New Endo champions emerge as winners of 10rh ESGN essay competition announced

By Admin 

For many  secondary school  students in Nigeria, the word "endometriosis" was unfamiliar just a few years ago.

Today, however, there are several champions of awareness of this medical condition that affects millions of women worldwide, yet remains poorly understood and frequently misdiagnosed.

During the unveiling of winners of the 2026 Endometriosis Support Group Nigeria (ESGN) essay competition, health advocates urged the students to use the knowledge gained from the contest to educate their peers and communities about endometriosis.

The competition, in its 10th year, focused on the topic "Challenges of Living with Endometriosis," and produced three standout winners: Princess Adewumi Boluwatigba of Methodist Girls High School, Yaba, emerged overall winner.

 Ashake Khabeerat Emmanuel of Canon James Pearse Anglican College, Gbagada, Lagos finished as first runner-up even as Sarah Falowo Titilope of Vetland Senior Grammar School, Agege, Lagos was second runner-up.

According to ESGN, the emergence of the winners represents academic achievement and the rise of a new generation of Endo advocates.

For the winners themselves,  what started as an essay-writing exercise evolved into a mission to challenge misconceptions, encourage conversations about menstrual health and help ensure that fewer women suffer in silence because of a lack of awareness.

They all agreed that the real victory was being in position to help spread awareness about endometriosis that often leaves women suffering for years before receiving a diagnosis.

Speaking during the event, ESGN founder and MD/CEO of  Nordica Fertility Centre, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, said the competition was designed to expose students to the important health issue while encouraging critical thinking and research.

"Many of you had probably never heard the word endometriosis before this competition, but by researching, learning and writing about it, you have contributed to raising awareness and expanding knowledge about the condition."

Ajayi said every participant had  contributed to the growing body of public knowledge about endometriosis by taking the time to understand and write about the disease.

"The earlier endometriosis is recognised, the better the chances of managing it effectively. The eye cannot see what the mind does not know, doctors must first be aware of endometriosis before they can identify it,” he said, noting that  awareness remains the most powerful tool in identifying the condition early.

The Clinic Manager, Nordica Lagos and ESGN Matron, Mrs Tola Ajayi said young people are uniquely positioned to lead awareness campaigns, particularly through social media platforms and peer-to-peer engagement.

"Charity begins at home. The first audience should be your own school community," she noted, stressing that educating young people remains critical because awareness can help girls recognise symptoms early and seek appropriate medical attention.

"A few years ago, endometriosis was a condition very few people talked about, today, awareness has improved, but we still need to focus on young girls and women, she said."

In the view of the Chief Operating Officer, Nordica Lagos, Dr. Tosin Adeniyi, the competition's most important achievement was the creation of a new crop of endometriosis champions equipped to take the message into classrooms, homes and communities across Nigeria.

Nigeria sets up N10 bn Ebola preparedness task force

By Admin

President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation of a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats, alongside the immediate release of ₦10 billion in emergency intervention funds.

In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency said the funding is aimed at strengthening the operational readiness of the National Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and supporting critical public health emergency response efforts nationwide.

The task force will be chaired by the President's Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. Its membership will comprise representatives of relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as state governments.

The decision comes amid renewed concerns over Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. It followed a high level stakeholders' meeting convened by the Chief of Staff to assess Nigeria's state of preparedness and develop strategies to prevent the virus from entering the country.

Among those who attended the meeting were officials of the Federal Ministry of Interior, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Lagos State Government.

President Tinubu also directed states that host international airports and major border corridors to submit their preparedness plans, funding requirements and intervention needs for coordinated implementation.

Measures approved by the government include intensified passenger screening at international airports, with enhanced temperature checks and crowd management protocols.

Authorities will also step up monitoring of passengers arriving on routes considered high risk, including flights operated by Air Uganda, RwandAir, Air Tanzania, TAAG Angola Airlines, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines.

In addition, referral and isolation centres are to be activated immediately at the international airports in Lagos and Abuja, while similar arrangements will be extended to other airports across the country.

The government has further ordered the mandatory use of QR code based pre arrival health declaration systems for travellers arriving from, or transiting through, designated high risk countries.

As part of the preventive measures, airport departure halls, baggage handling areas, cargo facilities and other airport infrastructure will undergo routine disinfection.

The President also directed the task force to work closely with security, diplomatic and aviation authorities in reviewing possible flight regulations involving affected countries.

It will further consider the designation of specific airports or terminals for high risk flights to allow for more controlled screening and isolation procedures. The task force is also expected to examine flight scheduling options that could reduce contact between high risk passengers and other travellers.

The announcement represents Nigeria's most far reaching Ebola preparedness initiative since the country's successful containment of the 2014 outbreak, a response that relied heavily on an emergency operations centre and extensive contact tracing efforts