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FG Asks Nigerians Not to Shun Handwashing Culture Insists It is Crucial for Public Health

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FG Asks Nigerians Not to Shun Handwashing Culture Insists It is Crucial for Public Health

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has encouraged Nigerians not to shun the handwashing culture, insisting that clean hands are crucial for public health and global health security.

Speaking at the commemoration of the Global Handwashing Day in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako while noting that about 1.8 million children under the age of 5 die each year from diarrheal diseases and pneumonia, the top two killers of young children around the world, said: “Promoting proper handwashing in Nigeria is a strategic move to equip the nation in its fight against disease outbreaks as well as global threats such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR).”

He lamented that children and other vulnerable population are more prone to such diseases like diarrheal diseases and pneumonia, because of poor knowledge about the importance and practice of effective handwashing. In order to create and promote awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing as an easy, effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives, noting that the United Nations General Assembly in 2008 declared 15th October of every year as Global Handwashing Day.

The Minister said this years’ theme: “Why Are Clean Hands Still Important?” reflects an important question which provokes the thought that irrespective of the significant progress made in promoting handwashing with soup under running water, “our journey is far from over. This theme therefore confronts every sector and every individual with the reason to continue practicing and promoting effective handwashing and not to neglect this simple but powerful practice seeing that the benefits are limitless.”

He stated that: “Hand hygiene inclusion in government plans and funding not only improves health but also boosts the economy by reducing the burden on health services and promoting high healthcare standards.

“It also contributes to attaining multiple target’s of the Sustainable Development Goals on Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), nutrition, education, health and economic growth.”

He stressed that: “For businesses including markets, effective hand hygiene practices can significantly reduce the spread of infectious diseases leading to fewer sick days for businessmen/traders, and increased productivity. This enhances marketplace well-being, supports public health, and strengthens overall resilience against disruption of business.

“In schools and workplaces such as hospitals and offices, clean hands are important in preventing diseases including hospital-acquired infections, ensuring consistent school/work attendance, and increased productivity.

“In the home, clean hands are still very much important to maintain good health by reducing the transmission of infectious agents (germs), and lowering the risk of infections such as diarrhea, typhoid and respiratory infections. Clean hands are still important in the home to prevent cross-contamination of food thereby reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Very importantly clean hands help to protects vulnerable family members such as newborns, elderly and immunocompromised individuals who are more susceptible to infections.”

The minister insisted that: “Handwashing with soap under running water helps to reduce diarrhoeal diseases by 30%, respiratory infections up to 20%, and can also help to reduce the transmission of outbreak-related diseases such as cholera, Lassa fever, Ebola, COVID-19, m-pox etc. Handwashing is protective against up to 50% of avoidable infections acquired during health care and also prevents the spread of antimicrobial resistance.”

FG Asks Nigerians Not to Shun Handwashing Culture Insists It is Crucial for Public Health

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Kidnappers Abduct 60-Year-Old Woman from Kano Hospital

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Kidnappers Abduct 60-Year-Old Woman from Kano Hospital

By: Zagazola Makama

Suspected kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old woman, Talatu Ali, from the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Dawanau in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area (LGA), Kano State, while she was awaiting medical consultation.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the victim had been brought to the hospital by her son, Nasiru Aliyu, and her cousin, Aliyu Garba, both from Yar Gaya Village in Dawakin Kudu LGA, on February 19, 2025, at about 8:30 a.m.

While on the queue for consultation, they suddenly discovered that she had disappeared.

All efforts to locate her within the hospital premises proved abortive, prompting the family to report the case at the Dawanau Divisional Police Headquarters.

On February 21, 2025, at about 7:00 a.m., Aliyu received a phone call from an unknown number confirming that the victim was in the caller’s custody.

Authorities believe the abductors may have deliberately targeted the hospital, exploiting its vulnerability to infiltrate and take hostages.

The Kano State Police Command confirmed the abduction.

Kidnappers Abduct 60-Year-Old Woman from Kano Hospital

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Zulum Honored as 2024 New Telegraph’s Governor of the Year

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Zulum Honored as 2024 New Telegraph’s Governor of the Year


…Pledges greater achievements in coming years

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has been awarded as the 2024 New Telegraph Governor of the Year, celebrating his exceptional leadership and transformative achievements in the state.

Governor Zulum received the prestigious award on Friday at the Grand Ballroom of the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, alongside seven other governors, the Ministers of Aviation and Information, the Group CEO of NNPC Ltd, corporate organizations, and other distinguished personalities.

The award acknowledges Governor Zulum’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding public infrastructure in communities destroyed by Boko Haram insurgency, revitalizing the state’s economy, and enhancing security, allowing citizens to go about their daily lives without fear.

Governor Zulum’s outstanding leadership has earned him numerous accolades in 2024, including: the Forbes Magazine African Leadership Award, Nigerian NewsDirect Newspaper of the year, the NUJ Good Governance Award, the Nigeria’s Pride Award for Leadership in Security and Public Service, and the Fellowship Award from the Environmental Management Association of Nigeria (EMAN), among others.

Governor Zulum who was represented at the event, by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, expressed gratitude to New Telegraph Newspaper for recognizing the administration’s developmental strides in rebuilding the state after 16 years of insurgency.

“I am delighted that the New Telegraph has showcased His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, as the Governor of the Year 2024. This recognition underscores that Nigerians are keenly observing and appreciating the impact of his governance at both national and sub-national levels,” Dr. Kadafur stated.

He reaffirmed that Governor Zulum’s administration remains committed to delivering his 10 point agenda and improving the lives of the people of Borno State.

“The Governor’s recognition is a testament to his dedication to the people. Zulum has become a household name in Nigeria for his commitment to good governance and impactful projects across various sectors,” he added.

The Deputy Governor was accompanied by the Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar; Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Emet Kois; Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya; Senior Special Assistant Media, Baba Shiekh Haruna; Senior Special Assistant office of the Deputy Governor, Hon. Alfred Buba and SSA to the Deputy Governor, Hon. Habu Ibrahim.

Zulum Honored as 2024 New Telegraph’s Governor of the Year

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Kidnapped Munya LGA Secretary Regains Freedom as Security Forces Intensify Rescue Efforts

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Kidnapped Munya LGA Secretary Regains Freedom as Security Forces Intensify Rescue Efforts

By: Zagazola Makama

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the release of Usman Daina, the Secretary of Munya Local Government Council, who was abducted by armed bandits.

Daina was freed unhurt following a sustained pursuit operation by security forces. However, authorities have stated that efforts are still ongoing to rescue other victims who remain in captivity and to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators.

Zagazola Makama had reported that On Feb. 21, 2025, heavily armed bandits launched an attack on Munya Local Government Area, abducting several residents, including the council secretary.

It was gathered that that the assailants moved from Chibani forest through the Shakwata axis before striking various communities, including the Dandaudu area of Munya LGA.

The attackers invaded homes, looted food supplies, and forcefully took away multiple victims.

Following the abduction, the Nigerian Army troops, police tactical teams, vigilantes, and other security forces were deployed to track the movements of the kidnappers.

Their aggressive pursuit led to the successful release of Daina, while efforts continue to rescue the remaining captives and dismantle the criminal network responsible for the attack.

Sources said that the security forces are currently conducting aerial surveillance, intelligence-driven operations, and ground raids on identified bandit hideouts in the region.

Kidnapped Munya LGA Secretary Regains Freedom as Security Forces Intensify Rescue Efforts

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