Children most affected as Nigeria's cholera outbreak records 5,260 cases and 67 deaths
via Punch Nigeria14 min read
Nigeria is experiencing a worsening cholera outbreak, with children under five years old being the most affected group. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported 5,260 cases and 67 deaths across 128 local government areas in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory as of May 31, 2026. Suspected cholera cases have risen by 73 percent compared to the same period in 2025, though cumulative deaths have fallen by 37 percent, indicating improved case management. Borno State accounts for 86 percent of the national caseload, with Maiduguri Local Government Area alone recording 2,706 cases, representing 51 percent of all infections in Nigeria this year. Environmental assessments in Borno revealed contaminated water sources, blocked drainage, damaged pipelines, and widespread open defecation, with undetectable free residual chlorine in tested water. Overcrowding in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere further exacerbates the crisis. The NCDC noted that the epidemic curve suggests continuous environmental contamination rather than a contained outbreak. Health experts warn that infections could continue to rise without urgent improvements in safe water access, sanitation systems, and the elimination of conditions facilitating transmission. Response efforts include pre-positioning commodities, training healthcare workers, and establishing cholera treatment centers and oral rehydration points. A National Rapid Response Team is being deployed to Borno for detailed
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A recent survey by Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy indicates that over four in five Nigerians support some form of social media regulation for children. The results of the 2024 poll, titled “Proposed Social Media Age Regulation in Nigeria,” were released by Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani at a roundtable in Lagos. The survey, which gathered views from 585 Nigerians, found that 83.4% of respondents supported regulating children's social media use, with 64.8% advocating for outright regulation and 18.6% preferring a different minimum age. A significant 64.5% favored a minimum social media age of 16 or 17 years, higher than the global standard of 13. The survey also highlighted widespread concern, with 93.5% of respondents expressing great or extreme worry about children's safety on social media platforms. The most prevalent online risks identified were exposure to harmful content 90.9%, digital addiction 83.6%, and online grooming 82.4%. Furthermore, 97.6% supported a duty-of-care framework for platforms. Minister Tijani emphasized the need for effective age restrictions and coordinated efforts from government, parents, and digital platforms to protect children online. The Nigeria Data Protection Commission's National Commissioner, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, also stressed the importance of balancing internet access for education with safeguards against cyberbullying, harmful content, and mental healt
Author and financial educator Yemisi Adepoju has released her new book, "Broke After Pay Day," which aims to help individuals break free from debt cycles and chronic financial stress. Launched at RovingHeights Bookstore in Lagos, the book addresses the behavioral and emotional patterns contributing to poor money management. Adepoju, drawing from her experience as chairperson of a cooperative society since 2015, observed widespread financial instability among employees across various income levels, noting that even high earners struggle with debt. The book is designed to help readers confront habits like impulsive spending, lifestyle inflation, peer pressure, and emotional decision-making. Adepoju stated her goal is to equip readers with practical tools for financial stability and debt escape, emphasizing that financial freedom is achievable regardless of personal circumstances. The eight-chapter book combines storytelling with practical exercises, including a chapter titled "Who chop my salary?" which illustrates how quickly a salary can disappear. Adepoju stresses the importance of budgeting, discipline, and delayed gratification, asserting that poor money habits persist irrespective of income size. She advises that investment discipline is crucial for long-term financial freedom, suggesting that investment proceeds, rather than immediate income, should fund lifestyle needs. Real estate entrepreneur Tope Mark-Odigie highlighted the neglected aspect of budgeting, while Dolapo
Mallam Isa Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, has called on Nigerian musicians to produce enduring songs that will secure their place in the memories of future generations. Onilu made the statement during the unveiling of a monument honoring the late Fuji music pioneer, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, at the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan. He highlighted Barrister's continued relevance nearly 16 years after his death as an example of music with lasting impact. Onilu also advised Barrister's supporters to focus on preserving his contributions to Nigerian music. Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, noted that the state government had previously honored Barrister with a posthumous award. Mrs. Otuka Pamela Oriyomi, Curator and Zonal Director of the National Museum of Unity, described the monument as a historic development, marking Barrister as the first musician to have a monument erected within the museum premises. Alhaji Olaide Olawumi, Chairman of BarryFest, stated that the monument reflects Barrister's enduring impact on Nigeria's music industry and cultural history, recognizing him as a trailblazer who elevated Fuji Music to international recognition. The monument was unveiled as part of efforts by Barrister's admirers to immortalize him and celebrate his contributions to Fuji music in Nigeria.
Must ReadTropical General Investments Group and Singapore-based Wilmar International have formed a new 50:50 joint venture, merging their businesses in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. This partnership targets a market estimated at $12 billion and will combine operations across agriculture, oil palm plantations, edible oils, edible nuts, rice, food manufacturing, and distribution. The companies stated this will create one of the largest integrated food and agriculture platforms in the region. Mr. Kuok Hong, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Wilmar International, noted the partnership will strengthen their ability to serve the growing consumer market in Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Benin. Cornelis Vink, Founder and Chairman of TGI Group, highlighted that the deal brings together two complementary businesses focused on quality food products, leveraging Wilmar’s global scale and expertise with TGI’s local knowledge. Farouk Gumel, Vice Chairman of TGI Group, emphasized the partnership's confidence in Nigeria’s economic prospects and commitment to local investment, aiming to deepen domestic value addition, support smallholder farmers, create jobs, and contribute to Nigeria’s food security. Santosh Pillai, Wilmar’s Africa Head, described the transaction as a strategic fit, combining TGI Group’s local execution capabilities, established consumer brands, and distribution network with Wilmar’s strengths. The transaction is expected to close during the 2026 financial year, subjec