Fake news and its human cost: the case of Maj.-Gen. Uba

By: Zagazola Makama

The promotion of Brig.-Gen. SM Uba, Director Defence Information, to the prestigious rank of Major General should have been a moment of pride and celebration for his family, colleagues and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Instead, it coincided with one of the most disturbing episodes of misinformation targeting a serving senior military office an episode that point to the devastating human cost of fake news.

In recent days, malicious actors repeatedly circulated photographs of the officer online, falsely claiming he was dead. While the Defence Headquarters swiftly debunked the rumour, the damage was already done.

Unknown to many, the fake news triggered panic, trauma and emotional distress within his family. When the false reports first emerged, his wife and children broke down in tears, unable to process the sudden shock. Despite repeated attempts to reassure them that he was alive and well, they remained inconsolable until they travelled to Abuja to see him physically.

Even more heartbreaking is the fact that as at Wednesday, the same misleading posts were still circulating at the exact moment he was promoted to his new rank as a Major General.

This contrast the spread of a death hoax against the backdrop of a well-deserved promotion captures the cruel reality of misinformation in the digital age. It is not just a threat to public order. It destroys families, inflicts psychological harm, undermines institutions and disrespects the honour of those who dedicate their lives to national service.

Fake news and its human cost: the case of Maj.-Gen. Uba

FG Says GEJ is Safe, Out of Guinea Bissau

… Condemns Country’s Military Coup

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria’s Former President Goodluck Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau, the Federal Government has announced.

The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa made the announcement on Thursday. He said: “He (President Goodluck Jonathan) left with a special flight with members of his delegation including, former President, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Ibn Chambas.”

Jonathan, who is the head of ECOWAS Election Monitoring Mission to Guinea Bissau, was tramped along with members of his team in the country when military suspended democratic process and took over government.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria’s government has condemned the military coup d’etat in Guinea Bissau.

The Nigerian government in a statement on Thursday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria has learned with profound dismay and deep concern the unfortunate military coup which has led to an unconstitutional change of government in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria, in the strongest possible terms, condemns this act of military insurrection which undermines the democratic progress, constitutional order, and stability not only of Guinea-Bissau but of the entire West African sub-region. This coup d’état represents a blatant violation of the fundamental principles of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which explicitly rejects any ascension to power through unconstitutional means.

“We stand in solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau and call for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order, the safety and security of all those detained and the full respect for the sanctity of democratic institutions in Guinea-Bissau.”

The statement added that: “The Federal Government of Nigeria unequivocally calls on the authorities in Guinea-Bissau to ensure and guarantee the safety of all election observers still in the country on official assignment.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria urges all actors involved to exercise utmost restraint, prioritize peaceful dialogue, and respect the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau as expressed through their ballots and the peaceful conclusion of the election with the announcement of results by the electoral management body.

“We warn that those behind this act will be held accountable for their actions, which threaten to plunge the nation into chaos and reverse the hard-won gains of its democracy.”

It further added that: “Nigeria, as a key member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, will work closely with our regional and international partners to take all necessary measures to ensure the swift return to normalcy and constitutional governance in Guinea-Bissau. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the promotion of democracy, peace, and stability across the African continent.”

FG Says GEJ is Safe, Out of Guinea Bissau

Federal Government Commissions Public Toilets in Nasarawa

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government on Thursday inaugurated a new smart toilet in Nasarawa State, calling for stronger sanitation efforts across the state to ensure Nigeria exits her unenviable position as one of the top nations with open defecation.

Few days ago, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal decried that just about 25 per cent of Nigerians have access to safely managed sanitation facilities leaving over 45 million Nigerians still practice open defecation.

The Federal Ministry of Environment on Thursday called for stronger sanitation efforts across the states at the commissioning of new smart public toilets at Orange Market, Mararaba, in Nasarawa state to mark the 2025 World Toilet Day

The Director General of the Nasarawa State Waste Management and Sanitation Authority (NASWAMSA), Hon. Muhammad Isah, warmly welcomed dignitaries and partners to the 2025 World Toilet Day commemoration, expressing deep appreciation for the strong support the state has continued to receive toward improving sanitation and environmental health.

Addressing the Governor of Nasarawa State, the Honourable Minister of Environment, the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, the Commissioner of Environment, the Nasarawa State Ministry of Environment, and other distinguished officials and partners, the DG extended his gratitude for their presence and ongoing collaboration.

Isah said “on behalf of our Authority, I sincerely appreciate His Excellency, the Governor, for his strong support toward improving sanitation and environmental health in our state.” He applauded the Federal Ministry of Environment for its continued partnership, noting that the provisioning of smart toilets being commissioned at the event, as well as an earlier air pollution monitoring facility, have contributed meaningfully to improving community well-being.

According to him, “our deep gratitude also goes to the Honourable Minister of Environment and the entire staff of the Federal Ministry of Environment for their continued partnership. The provision of the Smart Toilets we commission today, as well as the air pollution monitoring facility earlier provided, are meaningful contributions that strengthen our work and improve the well-being of our communities.” The DG also highlighted new collaborative initiatives between NASWAMSA and the Ministry, particularly in waste-to-energy development and job creation. He noted that the Ministry requested ten locations for public toilets between Mararaba and Masaka, areas where sanitation facilities are urgently needed.

He explained that “NASWAMSA worked with Orange Market management to provide two suitable sites for modern public toilets. These are the facilities being commissioned today.” Hon. Isah further expressed sincere appreciation to Dr. Engr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, describing her as “maman talakawar jahar Nasarawa,” for her consistent support of women’s engagement and youth initiatives in the state. He stated, “your dedication is having a significant impact, and both the government and the people of Nasarawa State are truly grateful for your contributions. Thank you for your commitment to improving our environment and community.” The DG reaffirmed NASWAMSA’s commitment to continued collaboration with partners in pursuit of a cleaner and healthier Nasarawa State,

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Karu Local Government Council, Barr. Abubakar Aliyu Madaki, described the newly commissioned Public Toilet Project at Orange Market, Mararaba, as a significant milestone in efforts to promote public health, environmental sanitation, and community wellbeing in Karu Local Government Area. During the Community Engagement/Sensitization Campaign and Commissioning of the Public Toilet Project organized by the Federal Ministry of Environment, he expressed appreciation to the Ministry for selecting Karu as one of the beneficiaries of the initiative.

He said “it is with great pleasure and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today on behalf of Government and the good people of Karu Local Government Area.” He noted that the commissioning marks “another significant milestone in our collective efforts to promote public health, environmental sanitation, and community wellbeing in Karu.”

Madaki emphasized that Orange Market, being one of the busiest commercial hubs in the Local Government, attracts thousands of traders, buyers, transporters, and visitors daily, which creates the urgent need for proper sanitation facilities to prevent pollution and disease outbreaks. Describing the facility, he said, “This Public Toilet Project is therefore not just a building but it is an investment in public health, dignity, and environmental protection. It provides a safe, hygienic, and accessible facility for all market users, and supports our ongoing efforts toward a cleaner and a healthier Karu for everyone in line with the vision of His Excellency Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State.”

He outlined recent efforts of the Local Government Council toward improving sanitation, stating that “over the past months, we have intensified efforts to improve waste management in markets and across communities, strengthen environmental monitoring and compliance, support community-based sanitation initiatives, and promote health education and community awareness.” Madaki assured the Federal Ministry that Karu Local Government would ensure the facility is well managed, adding, “Karu Local Government Council will take full responsibility for the maintenance, security, and effective use of this facility.” He urged traders and residents to safeguard the facility, saying, “this facility is yours. I urge you to take ownership of it. Let us use it properly, keep it clean, and protect it from vandalism.”

In his remarks, he expressed special appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Environment, the Honorable Commissioner of Environment, the DG NASWAMSA and their staff “for the support and dedication to environmental sustainability nationwide,” and stated that Karu Local Government remains open to more partnerships aimed at uplifting the health, economic, and social wellbeing of the people.

As the ceremony concluded, the Chairman reminded attendees that “development is meaningful only when it touches the lives of the people directly,” urging renewed commitment toward a cleaner society. He added, “Together, let us continue to promote a cleaner, safer, and healthier Karu for us and the future generation to come,” and ended with, “Thank you and may God bless us all. God bless Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Federal Government Commissions Public Toilets in Nasarawa