NCDC Director-General urges governors to increase Ebola prevention funding
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Jide Idris, has called on governors across Nigeria's 36 states to provide adequate funding for health workers to prevent the Ebola virus from entering the country. Speaking at the 3rd Adetokunbo Alakija Memorial Lecture and induction of new members into the Nigerian Society of Travel Medicine in Lagos, Idris emphasized that while the Federal Government implements measures like strengthened monitoring at airports and contact tracing, state governments need to enhance capacity building and funding. He highlighted the importance of supporting health workers, stating that the NCDC cannot manage the burden alone and that state governments must fund their personnel and infrastructure. The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, acknowledged the state's vulnerability due to high air travel and outlined preventive measures in collaboration with airport officials. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the NSTM, Dr. Patrick Chukwuma, stressed the role of travel medicine in preventing the importation of dangerous viruses and urged new members to incorporate travel history into patient assessments. The Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Temitope Ilori, also discussed integrating HIV into Nigeria's travel health architecture, noting that mobility can interrupt prevention, testing, and treatment access for various groups. The Federal Ministry of Health an
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Must ReadThe Federal Government of Nigeria has called for the development of inclusive and human-centered artificial intelligence policies aimed at protecting workers' rights and preventing job losses, while simultaneously leveraging AI's potential for economic growth and productivity. This call was made by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Dingyadi, during the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. He highlighted that AI's rapid advancement is transforming labor markets globally, presenting both opportunities and challenges. While AI can foster innovation and improve productivity, it also poses risks such as job displacement, increased inequalities, and the erosion of human roles in certain sectors. Dr. Dingyadi emphasized the need for a balanced approach to harness AI's benefits without sacrificing decent work. He also noted Nigeria's efforts to integrate digital technologies and AI into governance through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and the automation of civil service processes. The Minister further advocated for reforms within the International Labour Organization ILO to ensure greater inclusivity and regional representation, and urged member states to align the ILO Centenary Declaration and the Global Coalition for Social Justice with national development priorities.
Portuguese club Benfica confirmed that Real Madrid would need to pay 15 million euros to sign their coach Jose Mourinho. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has expressed a "firm intention to recruit" Mourinho as he seeks re-election. Mourinho, who previously managed Real Madrid from 2010, winning a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, and a Spanish Super Cup, has appeared in a video on Perez's Instagram account affirming his readiness to return. Benfica stated that Mourinho's release clause is 15 million euros, contrary to earlier media reports suggesting a lower figure. Mourinho joined Benfica in September 2025 and has one year remaining on his contract.
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The Accord Party has named Professor Christopher Imumolen as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. This decision followed a consensus vote during the party’s National Presidential Primary Election held in Lagos. Muktar Abdullah, National Secretary of the Accord Party, confirmed this in a statement to journalists in Abuja. He noted that party leaders view Professor Imumolen's emergence as a sign of widespread support and a commitment to offering Nigerians a credible leadership alternative. Delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory attended the convention to choose the party's standard-bearer. The party highlighted Professor Imumolen's strong backing, particularly from its younger demographic, who see him as a symbol of modern Nigerian leadership. As the youngest presidential candidate in the 2023 election cycle, he enters the 2027 race with increased experience, established grassroots structures, and national appeal. The Accord Party plans to unveil a comprehensive socio-economic agenda to address national challenges. In his acceptance speech, Professor Imumolen thanked delegates and promised an inclusive, issue-driven campaign. He stated that the primary election was successfully conducted and that his name would be submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission. Professor Imumolen pledged that an Accord-led Federal Government would address unemployment, insecurity, and revamp the economic architecture to alleviate poverty.