News
IMPACT: Borno Emerges Best Performing State in Malaria, Immunisation Project
IMPACT: Borno Emerges Best Performing State in Malaria, Immunisation Project
By: Our Reporter
Borno State has emerged as the overall best in the implementation of Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT), surpassing other participating states across the country.
IMPACT is a World Bank-supported community driven project aimed at reducing by half the mortality of chidren under five by 2030, through strengthening the primary healthcare centers.
The project delivers integrated immunisation-plus and malaria sevices to vulnerable population across 235 primary and secondary healthcare facilities across the state.
Receiving the award at the Government House in Maiduguri, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum commended the effort of the Ministry of Health for achieving the milestone.
Governor Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continuing its investment in the health sector to improve the wellbeing of people of the state.
“I would like to commend the Health Commissioner, the Permanent Secretary, the IMPACT project coordinator, and the rest of the team for their efforts in achieving this feat of becoming the best-performing state. On behalf of the government and people of the state, I extend our sincere gratitude,” Governor Zulum stated.
“Healthcare is one of the priorities of this admnistration, therefore, I willl like to assure you that more investment will be made in the entire value-chain of the health sector to ensure quality and affordable healthcare delivery system for people of the state,” he added.
Presenting the award to the governor, Communissioner for Health and Human Services, Prof. Baba Malum Gana, said the state achieved this feat owing to the high perfomance in the implementation of the project in a holistic and coordinated approach, deployment of digital monitoring tools as well as data quality.
He remarked that more than two million anti-malaria drugs, two million test kits and other essential consumables have been distributed in the last one year.
“In the last one year more than 2 million anti-malaria, 359,596 long-lasting Insecticide treated nets and 2 million test kits and other essential non-malaria drugs and medical consumables have been distributed across 235 health facilities across the state,” Malum Gana said.
The commissioner emphasized that despite the security challenges and 2024 flood disaster, the state was able to achieve immunization coverage in vulnerable areas.
IMPACT: Borno Emerges Best Performing State in Malaria, Immunisation Project
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
By: Michael Mike
As Christians begin Lent and Muslims commence Ramadan, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to use the rare overlap of the two sacred seasons to strengthen unity and reject divisive tendencies.
In a statement released on February 18, 2026, the institute described the simultaneous observance as more than a calendar coincidence, calling it a powerful symbol of shared values and collective responsibility in a nation grappling with insecurity and social strain.
IPCR said both seasons—marked by fasting, prayer and reflection—offer an opportunity for citizens to look beyond religious differences and recommit to peaceful coexistence. It stressed that the moral lessons of compassion, self-restraint and generosity embedded in Lent and Ramadan should translate into everyday interactions among Nigerians.
The institute warned against extremist narratives that distort religious teachings for narrow interests, noting that such interpretations undermine national stability. Instead, it encouraged faith leaders and communities to amplify messages that promote tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
According to the institute, true spirituality is measured not only by acts of worship but also by how individuals treat neighbours of different beliefs. It added that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength capable of fostering resilience rather than division.
“With both faiths engaged in solemn reflection at the same time, Nigerians are presented with a timely reminder that we share a common humanity and destiny,” the statement noted, urging citizens to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous society.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who signed the statement, extended goodwill wishes to Christians and Muslims, expressing hope that the sacred period would inspire reconciliation, understanding and renewed commitment to national unity.
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative attached to a security unit in Niger State has died following an accidental discharge of a rifle at his duty post in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the operative, identified as Abubakar Iliya, 35, who was attached to a special hunters unit stationed at Galadiman-Kogo, reportedly fell from a sentry post.
During the fall, his cocked rifle disengaged and discharged, striking him in the abdomen and causing fatal injuries.
His remains were later evacuated by his unit for burial in accordance with customary rites.
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A canoe conveying seven passengers capsized while in transit between Jata and Kami Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving several persons missing.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the canoe, carrying six females and one male passenger, overturned during the journey.
The passengers were identified as Mustapher Yakubu; Sahura Yakubu and her child; Zarifa Yakubu; Mommy Yakubu; Lizatu Yakubu; Zaratu Yusuf; and Sumaiya Ibrahim, all from Jata/Bmagara via Kami Village.
Rescue teams, including police and local divers, were immediately mobilised to the scene. The boat driver and his conductor were rescued alive, while search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Police neutralise two suspected kidnappers, recover rifle in Akwa Ibom
Tragedy in Plateau: Carbon monoxide exposure claims 37 lives at Wase mining site
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News10 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
