The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has challenged Nigerian scientists to identify the fastest pathway towards developing the country’s first Lassa fever vaccine, saying the recurring disease continues to pose a major public health burden.

Sonny Echono, executive secretary of TETFund, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during the presentation of the findings of a TETFund-sponsored mega research project on Lassa fever conducted by the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), Benue State.

Echono said the findings underscored the need for Nigeria to move beyond research to practical interventions capable of saving lives.

“What is the shortest route towards developing a vaccine? How can we ensure that the burden on our people is reduced?” he asked.

“Every year, thousands of Nigerians die from Lassa fever. How can we reduce this burden?

“I know a vaccine is usually the most effective mode of disease control. You vaccinate people and they become almost immune. What is the fastest path, and how can TETFund support that drive so that we can achieve direct benefits and direct impact on the lives of Nigerians?”

He assured the researchers that TETFund would engage relevant government institutions, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the federal ministry of health, to ensure the findings inform national health interventions.

According to him, validation of the research could strengthen the case for establishing a vaccine development centre in Nigeria.

“We will escalate these findings to the relevant authorities, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the Federal Ministry of Health. If we receive the validation we expect, it will strengthen our case for establishing a vaccine development centre in Nigeria,” he said.

Echono commended the research team for producing findings capable of improving healthcare delivery and addressing one of Nigeria’s most persistent infectious diseases.

BENUE RECORDS HIGHEST EXPOSURE

Earlier, Francis Aba Uba, vice-chancellor of FUHSO, described the project as one of the institution’s biggest research investments.

He said TETFund awarded the university a N250 million Mega Research Grant about four years ago to investigate Lassa fever, describing the funding as a vote of confidence in the capacity of Nigerian researchers.

Uba said the project had generated valuable scientific evidence on the epidemiology, diagnosis, management and control of Lassa fever while strengthening the university’s laboratory infrastructure, research capacity and collaborations.

He appealed to TETFund and the federal government to designate FUHSO as a National Centre of Excellence in Infectious Diseases Research.

Presenting the findings, Joseph Okopi, principal investigator of the project, said Nigeria bears the highest burden of Lassa fever globally, recording between 5,000 and 10,000 deaths annually.

He described the TETFund-funded research as the largest multi-state population surveillance study on Lassa fever ever conducted in Nigeria.

According to Okopi, the study investigated antibody prevalence, rodent vectors, transmission patterns and risk factors associated with the disease.

He disclosed that Benue recorded the highest prevalence of Lassa fever antibodies among the five states surveyed.

The study also found that adults aged between 20 and 40 years faced the highest exposure to the virus because of their frequent involvement in farming and other outdoor activities.

Researchers identified poor housing conditions, rodent infestation, food contamination, leaking roofs and poorly fitted doors as major environmental risk factors.

The study further challenged the widespread belief that eating rodents is the primary cause of Lassa fever transmission.

“We discovered that the commonly held belief that eating rodents is the major predictor of infection was not supported by our findings. Rodent consumption was not an independent predictor of Lassa fever infection,” Okopi said.

Also presenting clinical findings, Audu Onyemocho said 1,266 participants were enrolled in the study, while 392 suspected cases were investigated across Benue and Kogi states.

He said 43 cases were confirmed through real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, with 25 recorded in Benue and 18 in Kogi.

According to Onyemocho, bleeding, advanced age and seizures were identified as the strongest predictors of mortality among confirmed patients.

John Idoko, former director-general of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and adviser to the research team, said developing a vaccine should remain Nigeria’s long-term priority in the fight against Lassa fever.

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The initiative, organised in partnership with the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre (LASAEC), is scheduled to hold on June 26 at the Sports Centre of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Now in its fifth year, the campaign seeks to raise awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation and mobilise young people, corporate professionals, healthcare advocates and members of the public to donate blood.

According to the organisers, Nigeria continues to experience significant blood shortages, affecting patients who require urgent transfusions for surgeries, maternal healthcare, accident emergencies, cancer treatment and sickle cell disease management.

They said the Tangerine blood donor drive is designed to help address the challenge while promoting civic responsibility and greater participation in community healthcare initiatives.

Speaking on the campaign, Tonye Ukpong, managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of THT, said the initiative demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to building healthier communities through advocacy, collaboration and practical action.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to building healthier communities through action, advocacy, and collaboration,” Ukpong said.

“We are not only creating awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation, but also fostering a culture where people understand that healthcare is everyone’s responsibility.

“We are proud to partner with stakeholders and volunteers who share this vision of saving lives together.”

He added that the company views insurance as a means of protecting lives beyond its products and services, noting that the blood donation campaign offers an opportunity to give hope, save lives and support communities through collective action.

Ukpong also stressed the importance of voluntary blood donation, noting that every unit of blood donated could help save a life.

He said the company remains committed to promoting compassion, service and shared responsibility among employees, partners and the wider public.

According to the organisers, the event will feature professionally supervised blood donation stations, free health screenings, wellness activities, public health awareness sessions and opportunities for community engagement.

They added that the campaign aims to build a broader healthcare movement that encourages active participation from residents across Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.

THT and Tangerine Insurance also called on healthcare institutions, volunteers, media organisations, influencers, corporate bodies and community groups to partner with the initiative to increase awareness and participation.

Interested participants can register to donate blood, volunteer or partner with the campaign through the organisers’ official communication channels.

Tangerine Insurance said the initiative aligns with its commitment to supporting sustainable social impact programmes and improving access to quality healthcare through preventive health advocacy and community engagement.

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This follows a strategic engagement with the federal ministry of health and social welfare on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the office of the director of family health in Abuja.

The meeting highlighted the critical role of private-sector partners such as VIYA Health and Incepta in increasing access to affordable, innovative contraceptive options.

In October 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) granted its first-ever prequalification for a generic version of subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC), developed by Incepta Pharmaceuticals under the brand Medogen SubQ.

Supported by the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and the Gates Foundation, this prequalification confirms the product meets global standards for safety and effectiveness.

VIYA Health, a global women’s health organization offering personalised digital care, products, and services, serves as Incepta’s sole representative for DMPA-SC in Nigeria, Ghana, and some other African markets.

The organization is committed to leveraging technology and data to empower women throughout their health journeys.

Representing the director of family health, federal ministry of health and social welfare, Dr. Oyeniyi noted Nigeria’s target of achieving a 27 percent modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) by 2030.

He noted that, given the extensive work already undertaken by partners and the growing demand for DMPA-SC, the product is expected to make a significant contribution toward meeting this national goal.

Speaking on the development, Billy Shoaga, business lead, VIYA Health, described the partnership with Incepta as a reflection of VIYA’s mission to help women own their health and unlock economic, social, and personal power.

He highlighted that the introduction of a WHO-prequalified generic DMPA-SC breaks the long-standing single-source supply bottleneck, improves affordability, and enables millions more women to access a discreet, convenient contraceptive option they can use independently.

Shoaga further noted that VIYA Health’s role extends beyond distribution.

“Working with federal and state health ministries and implementing partners, VIYA is focused on equipping healthcare providers and stakeholders with the knowledge and support needed to integrate DMPA-SC into existing family planning programs,” he said.

“These efforts aim to strengthen health systems, advance self-care, and close access gaps to meet the rising demand for DMPA-SC in Nigeria.”

He added that Medogen SubQ will serve the public sector, while VIYA’s brand, Meuri-SubQ, will be available in the private sector—both representing the same WHO-prequalified DMPA-SC.

“This dual-brand strategy is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s family planning market, build stakeholder confidence, and support national efforts to improve maternal and reproductive health indicators,” Shoaga added.

“VIYA Health’s engagement underscores its commitment to leveraging global partnerships and innovative healthcare solutions to address critical needs in Nigeria’s health sector.”

He reaffirmed VIYA’s readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders—including federal and state ministries of health, primary healthcare boards, donors, implementing partners, healthcare providers, and channel partners—to ensure the availability of Medogen SubQ and Meuri-SubQ across both public and private sectors respectively.

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Afrobarometer, a pan-African nonpartisan survey network operating in more than 40 countries, has spent over 25 years conducting research that reflects the views of more than three-quarters of Africa’s population.

The headquarters agreement provides a structured framework to support the operations of Afrobarometer’s secretariat in Ghana while ensuring compliance with the country’s laws.

Speaking at the official handing-over ceremony in Accra, Khadija Iddrisu, chief director of the ministry of foreign affairs, said the agreement reflects Ghana’s continued commitment to democratic governance, evidence-based policymaking, and support for credible research institutions.

She noted that Ghana’s more than three decades of constitutional rule has been anchored on transparency, accountability, and citizen participation, adding that institutions such as Afrobarometer play a critical role in ensuring governance is informed by citizens’ experiences.

Amina Oyagbola, chair of the Afrobarometer board, described the bipartisan parliamentary endorsement of the agreement as a significant milestone reflecting more than two decades of collaboration aimed at amplifying African voices.

According to her, the agreement provides a stable foundation for Afrobarometer to continue producing trusted data that supports democracy, accountability, and development across Africa.

Since its establishment in 1999, Afrobarometer has worked in Ghana through its core partner, the Ghana Center for Democratic Development, which has conducted all 10 rounds of surveys in the country and oversees survey implementation across West, Central, and North Africa.

Over the past 26 years, the network has strengthened Ghana’s research and policy capacity by training many Ghanaians in survey research, data analysis, and communication.

Its pre-election surveys, conducted with CDD-Ghana, have also become an important component of Ghana’s electoral system by providing insights that enhance transparency and public trust.

Afrobarometer established its secretariat in Ghana in 2019, citing the country’s favourable operating environment. Since then, all grants for the network have been managed through Ghanaian financial institutions, contributing to foreign exchange inflows.

The organisation has also invested significantly in local operations, supporting Ghana’s economy and boosting sectors such as hospitality, tourism, and services while enhancing the country’s global visibility.

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The report, titled “Understanding influence and behaviour in northern Nigeria”, was unveiled in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to the findings, 38 percent of women across the region lack access to financial services.

The report stated that 52 percent of women are financially served, while 45 percent access formal financial services through deposit money banks, merchant banks, interest-free banks and microfinance institutions.

An additional seven percent utilise other formal non-bank financial products, including insurance services.

Despite these gains, the report noted that a significant proportion of women still lack access to both formal and informal financial systems.

The researchers recommended that state governments and the private sector establish targeted training and mentorship programmes for women and girls to prepare them for leadership roles.

They also urged the introduction of workplace inclusion policies such as flexible working hours for mothers, alongside policies that promote women’s economic empowerment through skills acquisition, improved access to credit and support for women-owned businesses.

The report further stressed the need to strengthen financial literacy programmes and establish sustainable funding mechanisms to improve women’s access to economic resources in the region.

Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the unveiling, Ismael Zango, principal investigator of the study, said the findings on poverty and unemployment align with data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

He disclosed that unemployment in the region stands at about 37 percent, while poverty levels average about 80 percent across northern Nigeria.

Zango added that Sokoto State recorded the highest poverty rate at over 80 percent.

He emphasised that economic empowerment must go beyond token financial support, noting that sustainable development requires equipping women and youths with relevant, market-driven skills.

Zango cited examples of women’s organisations in Kebbi state engaged in groundnut processing and the Women in Agriculture initiative in Kano State as models that should be expanded.

“These initiatives should be scaled up to bring more people into productive economic activities and reduce poverty,” he said.

Also speaking, Habu Fagge, director of the centre, described the study as a significant step in understanding financial inclusion challenges in the region.

He said the research highlights institutional, cultural and attitudinal barriers affecting women’s participation in the financial system.

Fagge noted that addressing gender disparity in financial inclusion is critical to economic development.

“If we bridge the gap in financial access, particularly through FinTech platforms, it will translate into grassroots development,” he said.

On his part, Yusuf Garba, who represented the vice-chancellor of the university, said the findings underscore the need for behavioural change in addressing financial exclusion.

He noted that a large proportion of the northern population falls within the study demographic.

Meanwhile, Foyinsolami Akinjayeju, chief executive officer of Enhancing Financial Inclusion and Advancement, described financial inclusion as both a moral and economic necessity.

She stressed that expanding financial services to underserved populations presents significant business opportunities.

Akinjayeju called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, including government, financial institutions and development partners.

“Everyone has a role to play, but commitment must come from the top,” she said.

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A statement issued on Thursday by DevReporting said the selection followed a competitive review of pitches submitted by journalists across print, broadcast, and digital media platforms.

The selected journalists are Melony Ishola, head of programmes, PUNCH Videos; Eric Dumo, freelance editor; Juliana Francis, publisher of SecurityNewsAlert; Samson Ademola, programme manager/associate editor at DevReporting; Israel Eferobor, correspondent at News Central TV; Folashade Ogunrinde, investigative reporter at Premium Times; Gbenga Salau, assistant news editor, Weekend at The Guardian; and Nafiu Atanda, Contributor, Know Your City (KYC) TV.

According to Mojeed Alabi, DevReporting’s team lead/editor-in-chief, the journalists bring diverse experience across print, broadcast, digital, and investigative journalism, positioning them to deliver impactful and accountability-driven stories.

Alabi explained that, over a one-month reporting period, the selected journalists will produce in-depth, evidence-based stories across key thematic areas, including water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), climate resilience, evictions, housing gaps, and other systemic urban pressures.

He added that the stories will centre on lived community experiences while integrating ACRC research, data, and analytical insights.

“To support quality delivery, the journalists will participate in a one-day capacity development workshop scheduled for Thursday, 5 March 2026, in Lagos,” he said.

“The workshop will provide research briefings, editorial direction, and practical guidance on translating academic findings into compelling public-interest journalism.”

Alabi noted that the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between research production and public engagement.

“Urban challenges in Lagos are complex and deeply rooted. By connecting researchers and journalists more intentionally, we aim to produce stories that inform public understanding and stimulate policy reflection,” he said.

The project is implemented by DevReporting in partnership with the Pro-Poor Development Media Network (PDM-Network), with support from ACRC.

It seeks to strengthen evidence-driven reporting on structural urban issues affecting vulnerable populations in Lagos.

DevReporting is a niche media and cinematic platform focused on development reporting. The PDM-Network promotes pro-poor consciousness in governance and public policy, with a broader commitment to addressing multidimensional poverty in Nigeria.

The African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC), led by the University of Manchester, is a research partnership working to improve living standards in fast-growing African cities through action-oriented and politically informed research.

The post DevReporting, PDM-Network select 8 journalists for urban challenges reporting project in Lagos first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

YM&CA serves as a national platform for equipping young Nigerians to respond to climate pressures, pursue safe migration pathways, and build resilient livelihoods.

As a newly established department, it advances the federal government’s renewed hope agenda by placing youth at the centre of green growth, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

The partnership creates a structured framework for institutional strengthening, strategic advisory, capacity development, communication systems enhancement, and partner mobilisation.

STRATCOMM is a development advisory and strategic communication firm that helps governments, donors, and organisations design and deliver programmes that generate measurable social and economic impact.

Through integrated advisory and disciplined project management, STRATCOMM supports institutions in turning policy ambition into fundable programmes and tangible results.

Ahead of the signing, STRATCOMM conducted a skills gap analysis within YM&CA in November 2025.

The assessment confirmed strong commitment and youth engagement experience, while identifying gaps in project design, monitoring and evaluation, research and data systems, renewable energy and green economy frameworks, policy development, and climate–peacebuilding integration.

More than 85 percent of officers expressed readiness for structured professional development.

The partnership will implement targeted capacity-building programmes, strengthen operational systems, improve documentation processes, enhance digital access, and establish a centralised knowledge platform.

These reforms will position the Department to design bankable programmes, mobilise funding, and expand impact across Nigeria.

The collaboration will prioritise the mobilisation of technical and funding partners to advance high-impact initiatives nationwide, including youth-led circular economy programmes, renewable energy and green jobs initiatives, Youth WASH campaigns, climate education networks, climate-smart agronomy, youth peace and security implementation under UN Resolution 2250, safe migration awareness programmes, disaster risk reduction innovation labs, and reintegration support for returnees.

Commenting on the forthcoming partnership, Kayode Olanorin, the managing director of STRATCOMM, said the youth migration and climate action resilience department represents one of the most forward-looking institutional responses to the climate–migration nexus in Nigeria.

According to him, the MoU provides a structured pathway for institutional strengthening, technical excellence, and strategic partner mobilisation that will translate ambition into measurable impact.

The two-year agreement, he added, marks a coordinated national effort to deepen institutional capacity, strengthen partnerships, and position Nigerian youth as leaders in climate resilience and safe migration governance.

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At the handover ceremony on Wednesday, the company unveiled newly renovated classroom blocks, modern sanitation facilities and renewable energy solutions, including solar panels. The classrooms were also furnished and improved with better ventilation to create brighter and safer learning spaces for pupils.

The intervention, Unilever Nigeria said, reflects its commitment to investing in sustainable solutions that directly support young learners and improve learning outcomes in host communities across the country.

Speaking at the event, Abayomi Arigbabu, commissioner for education, science and technology in Ogun State, said the project aligns with the state government’s school infrastructure renewal agenda. He urged other corporate organisations to emulate the initiative.

Unilever Nigeria’s managing director, Tobi Adeniyi, said the project supports the goal of delivering inclusive and equitable quality education and aligns with the Ogun State Education Revitalisation Agenda.

“Every child has earned the right to quality education. Beyond the four walls of the classroom, we must ensure that children are supported by an enabling environment that helps them to concentrate, learn and dream. This project is part of our sustainability agenda to improve lives and empower future generations,” he said.

Adeniyi explained that the upgraded toilets, improved classroom ventilation and installation of solar panels are aimed at creating a safe, healthy and conducive learning environment that can boost attendance, concentration and academic performance.

The traditional ruler of Igbesaland, Abdul-Azeez Akinde, who is the Oloja-Ekun of Igbesaland in Ado-Odo Local Government, commended Unilever Nigeria for what he described as a meaningful investment in the future of the community.

“Your intervention has not only improved the physical infrastructure, but it has also strengthened hope, unity and pride within our community. By creating a safer and more conducive learning environment, you have empowered our children and reassured parents,” he said.

Also speaking, Zainab Obagun, head of communications, corporate affairs and sustainability at Unilever Nigeria, alongside Tamara Vanndenbor, procurement manager at GEP, said the project was driven by the goal of giving pupils a safer, cleaner and more inspiring place to learn.

They noted that well-equipped and welcoming classrooms help pupils stay motivated, improve concentration and thrive academically and socially.

The headmistress of the school, Mrs. Yemisi Olugbile, thanked Unilever Nigeria for the intervention, saying the improved facilities would enhance pupils’ performance and boost parents’ confidence in the public school.

Unilever Nigeria said it would continue to strengthen community development through purposeful partnerships and sustainable interventions across the country.

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The intervention, carried out in partnership with the Tolu Aniwura Welfare Foundation (GenerousMe), was held at St. Paul Catholic Church, Ebute-Metta, and targeted vulnerable households impacted by the community displacement.

According to the organisers, beneficiaries received essential food items, clothing, bedding, baby care products, and school supplies.

The support also extended to individuals who had previously benefited from inDrive-backed social impact programmes, underscoring the company’s sustained commitment to community development in Nigeria.

Items distributed included rice, beans, garri, noodles, spaghetti, cooking oil, tomato paste, seasoning cubes, and salt. Other relief materials comprised clothes, blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, rechargeable lamps, power banks, baby care items, and school packs containing bags, exercise books, and writing materials for children.

Speaking on the initiative, Timothy Oladimeji, country representative of inDrive Nigeria, said the intervention reflects the company’s people-first philosophy and its commitment to addressing urgent social needs while promoting long-term empowerment.

“At inDrive, we believe that our responsibility goes beyond providing mobility services; it extends to standing with communities during moments of need,” Oladimeji said.

“The recent demolitions left many families vulnerable, and through our partnership with GenerousMe, we were able to respond quickly and responsibly.”

He added that the initiative aligns with the company’s core values of fairness, empathy, and community-centred impact.

Also speaking, Adetola Alade, partnerships lead at GenerousMe, said the collaboration ensured the timely and coordinated delivery of aid to affected residents.

“Partnering with inDrive enabled the swift response to an urgent humanitarian situation. We prioritise speed and collaboration in addressing community needs, and working with inDrive on this project was a great experience,” Alade said.

inDrive said it would continue to deepen its presence in Nigeria by combining technology-driven mobility solutions with social impact initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable communities and promoting inclusive growth.

See photos below.

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In a statement issued on Monday, the organisation said the platform empowers citizens to capture photos or videos of election results and incidents from their polling units, tagged with time and GPS location, to enhance transparency and build public trust in the electoral process.

The tool, which can be accessed via www.citizenmonitors.com, automatically attaches context such as timestamps and geolocation to each upload. Reports are then peer-reviewed by other users before appearing on a live statewide dashboard that displays verified updates in real time.

“Trust grows when people can see the evidence. With this app, Anambra can protect its polling units with facts, not noise,” said Adeshope Haastrup, co-founder of Citizen Monitors.

Olajumoke Alawode-James, the organisation’s spokesperson, added that the platform is designed to make citizens “calm, coordinated witnesses instead of bystanders.”

“Our message is simple: see it, record it, verify it. If each unit plays its part, election day becomes clearer and safer for everyone,” she said.

Citizen Monitors emphasized that users must prioritize safety and neutrality while using the app. It urged participants to keep a safe distance, avoid capturing personal data, and remember that INEC remains the sole authority to declare election results.

The platform clarified that its role is strictly to provide verified, publicly visible evidence of events at polling units, not to make electoral judgments.

Citizen Monitors describes itself as a civic-tech platform that “turns citizen evidence into public accountability” by crowd-verifying election data through structured uploads, GPS stamps, and peer review — enabling Nigerians to see, verify, and share what truly happened at the polls.

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