
The Federal Government has instructed newly appointed Medical Directors of Federal Medical Centres to prioritize patient care and prevent industrial disputes that could disrupt healthcare services. This directive was issued in a statement by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace within hospitals for effective service delivery and urged the new appointees to engage health workers and unions consistently through an open-door policy. Salako also warned against denying patients access to care and announced the establishment of a task force on clinical governance and patient safety, directing Medical Directors to implement similar systems. Regarding staffing, he encouraged them to utilize the Federal Government’s fast-track waiver system for recruitment. The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by Kamil Shoretire, acknowledged existing gaps in the health sector and called for improved performance. Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed Medical Directors, Evinly Nzeribe of FMC Okigwe pledged commitment to improving healthcare delivery, while Adamu Atterwharmie of FMC Birnin Kudu, representing those reappointed, promised loyalty to government directives. The appointed Medical Directors include Adamu Atterwharmie FMC Birnin Kudu, second term, Evinly Nzeribe FMC Okigwe, Umar Musami FNPH Maiduguri, Mu’azu S.I FMC Kumo, Omo Ekeneam
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA has announced the adoption of the Option A4 voting system for its primaries ahead of the 2027 elections. This move aims to curb "mercenary politics" and promote transparency within the party. Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, stated at the South-East Zonal Stakeholders’ Meeting that the system would eliminate rigging, reduce vote-buying, and foster openness. He warned party leaders and members that the forthcoming primaries would not be "business as usual," emphasizing the goal to cut wastefulness and ensure the party's credibility. Under Option A4, aspirants' support will be visible through physical alignment, discouraging deceptive practices associated with secret ballots. Governor Soludo also prohibited aspirants from pursuing multiple political offices simultaneously, stating that such actions undermine governance and party discipline. He further declared that aspirants are forbidden from visiting state executive members at home for inducement, requiring all engagements to occur at designated party offices. National Chairman of APGA, Sly Ezeokenwa, reinforced the reform agenda, unveiling a code of conduct. He mentioned that the party's modernization, in line with Nigeria’s Electoral Act, includes digital registration, direct primaries, Option A4 adoption, and the abolition of bundled nomination forms. Aspirants must now obtain an Expression of Interest form and pass screening before purchasing the nomination form. Party offi

The Ogun State Police Command arrested 43-year-old Idowu Ashafa in Igbesa, Ogun State, for allegedly possessing a human head and two human palms. The arrest occurred on April 17, 2026, during a routine patrol by operatives from the Igbesa Division, supervised by Area Commander ACP Folashade Tanaruno. According to DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command's spokesperson, the suspect was intercepted by a patrol led by Divisional Police Officer CSP Solotan K. Owolabi. Preliminary investigation suggests Ashafa exhumed the remains from a grave in Ido Itekun Village, Igbesa, for ritual purposes. The implement used in the act was recovered, and the scene was documented. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The police command reiterated its commitment to combating crime and urged residents to report suspicious activities.
Must ReadPope Leo XIV stated on Saturday that he regretted how his remarks were interpreted as a response to criticism from President Donald Trump, emphasizing he has no interest in debating the US leader. He clarified that a speech he delivered in Cameroon on Thursday about "tyrants" ransacking the world was written before Trump's comments about him and his message of peace. The Pope noted that the remarks were perceived as an attempt to start a new debate with the President, which he said does not interest him. He added that much of what has been written since then has been commentary on commentary, trying to interpret what was said. Pope Leo XIV had made the "tyrants" remarks during a visit to Bamenda, Cameroon, the center of an English-speaking separatist insurgency. These remarks were interpreted by US media as a reference to Trump. Trump had previously stated on April 12 that he was "not a big fan of Pope Leo" and accused him of "toying with a country Iran that wants a nuclear weapon," later reiterating his comments on Truth Social, saying, "I don't want a Pope who thinks it's OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon" and that "Pope Leo is weak on Crime and terrible for Foreign Policy."

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund NELFUND has dismissed a circulating notice that claimed the suspension of its student loan disbursement program, labeling the document as fake. NELFUND stated on X that it has not announced any pause in disbursements and advised the public to disregard the message, relying solely on official communication channels. The fraudulent notice had suggested a temporary pause due to "unforeseen operational circumstances." NELFUND explicitly stated, "This document is fake. Kindly disregard the circulating letter on suspension of student loan disbursements. NELFUND has not issued any such directive." The fund urged students and stakeholders to seek verified updates through its official platforms to prevent misinformation. This clarification comes as the scheme, established by the Federal Government, has reportedly benefited over one million students and cost over N1.1bn, with more than 160,000 youths also receiving digital skills training under related initiatives.