🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Senator Nwoko's bill on mandatory CPR and first aid training scales first reading
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Senator Ned Nwoko APC-Delta announced that his bill, which aims to make first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR, and Automated External Defibrillator AED training mandatory across Nigerian homes, schools, institutions, and workplaces, has passed its first reading. The bill, titled ‘Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to Provide for Mandatory First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Automated External Defibrillator Training and the Adoption of Good Samaritan Laws, 2024,’ seeks to integrate emergency response training and legal protection for bystanders into the nation’s constitutional framework. Nwoko stated that the proposed legislation amends Section 173 of the Constitution to include provisions for life-saving training and the nationwide adoption of Good Samaritan Laws, which protect individuals who assist victims in emergencies from legal liability. He highlighted the increasing number of deaths from sudden cardiac arrest, often exacerbated by the lack of immediate intervention and bystanders' reluctance to help due to insufficient knowledge and fear of legal repercussions. The senator believes that structured training in CPR, AED, and first aid, delivered by certified Emergency First Response EFR instructors, would significantly improve survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and encourage citizens to act promptly in emergencies without fear of prosecution, thereby enhancing public health response capacity
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Staff, reaffirmed the Nigerian Armed Forces' dedication to using psychological and influence operations for conflict prevention, national stabilization, and peace. Speaking at the Defence Headquarters Psychological Operations Workshop in Abuja, Oluyede, represented by Rear Admiral Abolade Ogunleye, highlighted the necessity of a "whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach" to build national resilience. He emphasized that influence operations are crucial for addressing conflict causes, countering misinformation, strengthening public trust, and promoting peaceful coexistence. The workshop, themed "Building National Resilience: The Role of Influence Operations in Conflict Prevention and Stabilization," included participants from various sectors. Dr. Salihu Dembos, Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority, represented by Hajiya Halima Musa, stressed the importance of strategic communication for national unity. Mallam Jibrin Ndace, Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, underscored the criticality of credible communication and public engagement for sustainable peace. The workshop concluded with recommendations for enhanced inter-agency collaboration, increased institutional capacity, improved public engagement, and the integration of influence operations into national conflict prevention and stabilization efforts.
Nigeria's para powerlifting team has secured $18,000 in performance rewards following a strong start at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The National Sports Commission had previously announced cash incentives for medallists. Esther Nworgu won Nigeria’s first gold medal, setting a Games record of 119.0 points in the women’s lightweight para powerlifting, ahead of compatriot Esther Oyema who took silver with 115.5 points. Nworgu received $8,000 in total rewards, while Oyema received $5,000. In the men’s lightweight category, Roland Ezuruike secured a silver medal with 153.9 points and also received $5,000. These three medallists collectively earned $18,000. The NSC has pledged cumulative cash rewards of $8,000 for gold, $5,000 for silver, and $3,000 for bronze medallists at Glasgow 2026. Nigeria's team, comprising experienced and emerging talents, will continue to compete in various events, with expectations for further medal-winning performances.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that their votes will be counted in the 2027 general elections. This assurance was given during a courtesy visit to former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalam Abubakar retd., in Minna, Niger State. Amupitan praised Abubakar as "the father of democracy in Nigeria" and a "pillar of support for INEC," commending the National Peace Committee's Peace Accord initiative for promoting non-violence among political actors. The INEC chairman stated the commission's commitment to ensuring that the will of Nigerians, as expressed at the polls, will prevail. He also confirmed the dates for the 2027 general elections: Presidential and National Assembly elections on January 16, 2027, and Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on February 6, 2027. Abubakar, in turn, urged Nigerians to support INEC.