🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
WHO states hantavirus risk remains low despite outbreak on MV Hondius cruise ship
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The World Health Organization WHO has affirmed that the risk of hantavirus to the general public is minimal, even as countries prepare to repatriate passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship, which has experienced a deadly outbreak. Three passengers from the Dutch-flagged vessel have died, and others have fallen ill with the rare disease. The Andes virus, a hantavirus species transmissible from person to person, has been confirmed among those infected, raising international concern. WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier emphasized that while the virus is dangerous to infected individuals, its risk to the general population is low, noting that even cabin-mates on the ship have not always both been infected. He added that the virus does not appear to be highly contagious between people. The MV Hondius, carrying approximately 150 people, is expected to arrive in Tenerife, Spain, on Sunday, where special flights will transport passengers to their home countries. In a positive development, a KLM flight attendant who had contact with an infected passenger from the cruise ship and later showed mild symptoms tested negative for hantavirus. This individual had been in contact with the wife of the first person to die in the outbreak, who was briefly on a flight from Johannesburg to the Netherlands before being removed and later dying in a Johannesburg hospital. US President Donald Trump stated that he had been briefed on the situation and hoped it was "under control." Passengers on the MV
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Pep Guardiola stated that Manchester City must defeat Brentford on Saturday to intensify pressure on Arsenal in the Premier League title race. Following a 3-3 draw against Everton, Arsenal now holds a five-point lead with three matches remaining, while City has four games left. A victory for City at the Etihad would reduce the gap at the top for at least 24 hours before Arsenal's match against West Ham. Guardiola emphasized the team's focus on winning their remaining games. Jeremy Doku's late goal secured a point against Everton, and Guardiola praised Doku's overall contribution this season. Guardiola also acknowledged the Manchester City women's team's recent Women's Super League success, highlighting the growing impact of women's football. He expressed hope for the return of Rodri, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol from injury for the Brentford match.
The Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria CPN is increasing its efforts to enhance professional standards and eradicate unlicensed practice within the country's Information Technology sector. This initiative comes as preparations are underway for its 2026 Information Technology Professionals’ Assembly and Annual General Meeting. Essien Eyo, the President and Chairman of Council of CPN, stated at a virtual press conference that the council will enforce strict compliance with professional regulations to protect Nigeria's computing ecosystem. He emphasized that engaging in computing and professional services without CPN registration and a valid license is illegal, as mandated by law. The council is committed to ensuring high professional ethics and standards, aiming to remove quackery and arbitrary practices from the IT sector. The 2026 IT Professionals’ Assembly, scheduled for May 13 and 14 in Abuja, will focus on regulatory compliance, professional development, and industry collaboration, under the theme "Digital Resilience and Inclusion for Smart Economy." This theme reflects the need for a secure, inclusive, and resilient digital ecosystem capable of withstanding technological disruptions. The event will also address emerging digital risks, ethical technology deployment, inclusive policy frameworks, and collaboration among various stakeholders. The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, will deliver the keynote address. Ali
Must ReadThe Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a no-case submission filed by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore regarding a cyberbullying charge. The Department of State Services DSS brought the charge against Sowore for alleged defamatory comments made against President Bola Tinubu on social media. Justice Mohammed Garba Umar ruled that the prosecution established a prima facie case, requiring Sowore to present a defense. The DSS accused Sowore of calling Tinubu a “criminal” on X formerly Twitter. Sowore had sought discharge and acquittal, arguing the prosecution failed to link him to the alleged offenses. Following the ruling, Sowore accused Justice Umar of bias and requested the judge withdraw from the case, alleging the court was collaborating with the Federal Government for a conviction before the 2027 general elections. Sowore’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, also accused the court of favoring the prosecution and formally requested reassignment due to loss of confidence. DSS counsel Akinlolu Kehinde SAN opposed this. Justice Umar directed Sowore to file a formal recusal application and adjourned the matter until May 19 for Sowore to open his defense and for the recusal application hearing.
Kleina Kuchahyel Musa, a National Youth Service Corps member, constructed an eco-friendly toilet facility at Salihu Dogo Secondary School in Jalingo, Taraba State, using 3,500 recycled plastic bottles. The project, commissioned by the Taraba State Government, aims to transform environmental waste into practical community solutions and address sanitation concerns. Musa stated her initiative was inspired by the growing challenge of plastic waste and the need to promote environmental sustainability, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals for clean water and sanitation, climate action, quality education, and sustainable cities. She noted that students voluntarily assisted in the construction, making it a community project. Gara Nongha, Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board, praised the initiative as innovative and impactful, encouraging other corps members to undertake community-driven projects. Nongha also highlighted Musa's introduction of a chess education program at the school to foster critical thinking. The NYSC Local Government Inspector for Jalingo, Mr. Bitrus Yakubu, and the school's Principal, Mr. Richard Karanta, commended the project, with Karanta noting its timely benefit to students and its alignment with the state government's education policies.