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Environment Minister Urges Nigerians to Continue the Culture of Handwashing
Environment Minister Urges Nigerians to Continue the Culture of Handwashing
By: Michael Mike
The Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako has advised Nigerians to continue to embrace the culture of hand washing, noting that washing of hands with soap under running water chases many diseases faraway.

The Minister gave the advised on Monday at the Federal Government Boys College, Wuye – Abuja during the commemoration of this year’s Global Hand Washing Day with theme, “Clean hands are within reach.”
The Minister said: “Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, it may interest you to know that a simple act of washing hands with soap under running water can reduce infection by 50% and respiratory disease by 25%. Research has shown that creating awareness on proper handwashing helps communities to stay healthy by reducing the number of people who get sick with diarrhoea by 23-40%, reducing diarrhoea illness in people with weakened immune systems by 58%, reducing respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by 16-21% and also reduces absenteeism due to gastrointestinal illness in school children by 29-57%.”
He added that: “Handwashing with soap under running water is the most cost-effective health intervention compared with others such as immunization and responding to disease outbreaks. Hands often act as agents that carry disease-causing pathogens from person to person, either through direct contact or indirectly via surfaces, hence hand hygiene is regarded as one of the most important elements of infection control activities and alone can significantly reduce the risk of cross-transmission of infection in healthcare facilities.
“Research has shown that handwashing helps in battling the rise of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). Resistance to antibiotics is one of the greatest threats to global health, food security and development. Increasing numbers of serious infections are becoming more difficult to treat because of the loss of efficacy of antibiotics which are often misused and abused; hence it is very important that we reduce the number of these infections by washing hands frequently.”
Earlier, Mrs. Motunrayo Mgbakogu of Well-being Foundation Africa, speaking on behalf of the president of the NGO, Mrs. Toyin Ojora Saraki said: “Today, on the occasion of the significant Global Handwashing Day, we are reminded of the remarkable impact that a seemingly simple act like proper handwashing technique can have on public health and overall wellbeing.”
She disclosed that: “In collaboration with the Dettol Nigeria Hygiene Quest programme, we have extended our reach and work towards achieving SDG3, SDG6 and SDG17, positively influencing the lives of 3,966 students, engaging with 2,587 individuals within communities, and equipping 9,974 mothers in healthcare facilities with indispensable knowledge concerning proper handwashing techniques. It is noteworthy that these figures pertain to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) alone. These achievements symbolise not just transformed lives but also strengthened communities, and they illuminate the path toward a more sustainable future.”
She advised that: “Let us collectively use this day as a powerful and poignant reminder of the pivotal role that proper hand hygiene plays in averting the proliferation of infections and in safeguarding the health and welfare of our communities. It is our firm resolve to persist in advocating for resolute policies and mobilising resources with the unwavering objective of ensuring that no individual is left marginalised or underserved.”
She said: “We extend our gratitude to all of you for your steadfast commitment and determination in shaping a future where every individual has the privilege of enjoying the fundamental human rights to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. Your unwavering dedication is truly commendable and offers a beacon of hope for a more equitable and healthier, #CleanNaija.”
Environment Minister Urges Nigerians to Continue the Culture of Handwashing
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PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE
By: Our Reporter
President Bola Tinubu has expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected by the recent terrorist attack by Boko Haram on the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The President mourns the loss of innocent lives, including military personnel, and those caught in friendly fire during the aerial interdiction of fleeing terrorists by the Air Force.
He describes the attack by the terrorists as a heartless assault on hapless citizens, urging Nigerians in Borno and elsewhere not to succumb to fear.
President Tinubu commends the military for their swift response, which led to the killing of scores of terrorists and their subsequent forced retreat.
He charges the military and other security agencies to work urgently to rescue those kidnapped by the terrorists.
Additionally, he directs the armed forces to intensify their efforts to protect civilians nationwide and prevent attacks on military installations in the North East.
President Tinubu prays for the souls of those who lost their lives in the attacks and friendly fire and extends his sympathies to their families and the Borno State Government.
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE
News
Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style
Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Borno State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) recently marked the 2026 World International Civil Defence Day with a weeklong series of activities, themed “Towards a safer society.”
A statement by the command’s spokesperson CSC Bulus James, stated that the celebration began with briefings and sensitization of staff on NSCDC’s critical roles in Crisis Management, Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Counter-terrorism, and VIP Protection.

On Thursday, 26th February 2026, officers and men, led by Acting Commandant DCC Obe Ndubuisi, embarked on a road match from the State Headquarters through the Kano Motor Park community and concluded at the headquarters, where the Acting Commandant delivered speeches on behalf of Commandant CC Ahmed Bello Gaya, including messages from the Commandant General and the State Commandant.
On the 27th February, 2026, Muslim faithfuls gathered at Al-Ansar Masjid for Jumaat prayers, with ACG CBRNE Hameed Abudurin from NHQ Abuja in attendance as Special Guest of Honour.

He was also present at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of a joint special training program held at the Nigerian Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Training School, Maiduguri, in collaboration with UNMAS which offered him the opportunity to celebrate alongside the Muslim faithfuls.
Prayers were offered by the Chief Imam Borno State, and NSCDC. Worshippers expressed gratitude for NSCDC’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and critical national assets.

This was followed by the grand finale at the NSCDC Glorious Chapel which held a special Sunday service at the Command’s multipurpose hall, attended by guests from sister security agencies on 1st March, 2026
Goodwill messages were delivered, followed by a keynote address from Commandant CC Ahmed Bello Gaya, delivered by Acting Commandant Obe Ndubuisi.

.DCC Paul Ochola delivered an exhortation on “Selfless Service to Humanity: Towards a Safer Environment.” The service concluded with pleasantries and a group photograph.
Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style
News
Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents
Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has commiserated with the people of Ngoshe affected by the recent Boko Haram attack, describing the incident as tragic.
Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza local government, was attacked on Tuesday evening, scores were killed, while others were abducted.

Addressing members of the community on Friday in Pulka, Governor Zulum said he personally came to sympathize with the affected people and families of those that lost their loved ones.
He assured that efforts are underway to rescue all those abducted, restore security, and provide humanitarian support to victims.

“We are here today to commiserate with the people of Ngoshe that have lost their loved ones following the unfortunate incident that occurred on Tuesday. The situation is very sad and our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy,” Zulum said.
“I want to assure you that we will do everything possible to address the unfortunate situation that has befallen this community, and for those who have been abducted, the Nigerian military will do everything within its capacity to rescue them,” Zulum assured.

Governor Zulum explained that military operations are currently ongoing in Ngoshe and the Sambisa Forest to rid the area of criminal elements.
“There are ongoing military operations within the Sambisa Game Reserve. What we witnessed yesterday was largely a result of insurgents being pushed out from their strongholds, which led them to launch coordinated attacks on nearby communities,” he explained.
He called on the Nigerian Army to intensify operations to clear insurgents from the Mandara Hills which he described as a major security threat.
“The Mandara Hills remain a major security concern. The insurgents descended from the hills to attack this town. Therefore, I call on the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to intensify efforts to clear Mandara Hills of insurgents,” Zulum said.

The governor noted that the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed as assessments are still ongoing, but acknowledged that several lives were lost while others were abducted.
As part of immediate humanitarian intervention, the governor said the state government had begun distributing relief materials and establishing cooking points to provide food for displaced residents.
“For now, we will distribute food items to those affected and I have directed that cooking points be established so that everyone in this community can receive meals from a central kitchen,” he said.
The governor appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, noting that Borno State government will double its efforts to end this madness. “We shall not relent in our commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability in the state,” he said.
“I strongly believe that with sustained military operations and cooperation between all levels of government, we will overcome this challenge. Insha Allah, peace will return fully to our land,” the governor added.
Similarly, Governor Babagana Zulum inspected houses burned during an attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Thursday in Konduga town.
Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents
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