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HIV Prevention Injection Finally Unveiled In Africa

By
Akinwale Kasali
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HIV Injection

By Akinwale Kasali

The groundbreaking new Human Immune Virus, HIV, Prevention Injection has been unveiled in South Africa, Eswatini and Zambia. It was unveiled on Monday, December 1, 2025.

This is the first public rollout of the drugs, as the aforementioned countries have the World’s Highest HIV Burden.

The drug known as Lenacapavir, is taken twice a year, and has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9 percent, making it functionally akin to a powerful vaccine.

It was gathered that in South Africa, where one in five adults lives with HIV, a Wits University Research Unit oversaw the rollout as part of an initiative funded by Unitaid, the United Nations health agency.

“The first individuals have begun using lenacapavir for HIV prevention in South Africa … making it among the first real-world use of the 6-monthly injectable in low-and middle-income countries,” Unitaid said in a statement.

Though the research did not specify how many people received the first doses of the drug, which cost $28,000 per person a year in the United States.

A broader national rollout is said to be expected next year.

Neighbouring Zambia and Eswatini received 1,000 doses last month as part of a US programme, and were expected to launch the drug at World AIDS Day ceremonies.

Under the programme, manufacturer Gilead Sciences has agreed to provide lenacapavir at no profit to two million people in countries with a high HIV burden over three years.

Though the numbers of supplied has generated criticism, with Critics saying this is far below the actual requirement and that the market price is out of reach for most people.

Eastern and Southern Africa account for about 52 percent of the 40.8 million people living with HIV worldwide, according to 2024 UNAIDS data.

Generic versions of lenacapavir are expected to be available from 2027 at around $40 per year in more than 100 countries, through agreements by Unitaid and the Gates Foundation with Indian pharmaceutical companies.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, has been used for over a decade to prevent HIV, but its reliance on a daily pill has limited its impact on global infections.

Why Apo-Karshi Road Contract Was Terminated –  FCT Minister, Wike

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister
Nyesom Wike

By Ayodele Oni

A new contractor, has resumed work on the 13 kilometre Apo-Karshi road, replacing Messrs Kakatar Engineering Limited, which was sacked due to its inability to deliver the project.

Speaking after inspection of the work on Monday, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike explained that the road has been re-awarded to another company after being terminated due to prolonged non-performance by the previous contractor.

He said involving another firm signals President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to providing dividends of democracy to people in Karish axis especially by relieving the people of hardship.

The road was awarded to Kakatar in 2011 at a contract sum of N6.4 billion, under former Minister, Bala Mohammed, with a 20 – month completion, but fourteen years on, the project is uncompleted.

On recovering the chunk amount that was paid to the contractor, Wike explained that he was not interested in going back to trace the process, saying the legal secretariat would decide the way forward.

“When we came on board in 2023, one major project that was of very much concern was Apo-Karshi road, and that road was awarded sometimes in 2011. And a lot of variations had taken place before we came.

“So when we called the contractor, he agreed to go back to site and gave us a promise that within six months that project would be delivered.

“Unfortunately, it was a very big disappointment and therefore we had no choice but to terminate it and give to a more competent and serious contractor which is SCC.

“And that had to be done through emergency because if we start all over with the procurement process, that might take like five, six months and then, rain will come in again and we start facing challenges.

“So because of the importance of that road, we felt that we have to relieve the hardship of the people there and then connect to Apo and Wassa. I think it’s a major decision we took and for the interest of the people of Abuja” Wike said.

He also inspected the ongoing earth work of over 14 kilometre Bwari-Chikakore- Kubwa road being handled by SCC Nigeria Limited.

Wike, also visited the Bazango dual carriageway road project in Kubwa, recently awarded under emergency consideration.

Police Intercepts 40 Suspected Trafficked Malians In Mararaba, Karu Nasarawa State

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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40 Suspected Trafficked Malians In Mararaba

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nasarawa State Police Command, on Monday, December 1, 2025, informed that it has rescued no fewer than 40 foreign nationals who were victims of human trafficking ring.

The State Police Commissioner,  Mohammed Shettima-Jauro who disclosed this at the occasion of the formal handing over of  the victims to the Comptroller of Immigration Service, NIS, Nasarawa State Command, Sekule Ubale in Lafia the State Capital, stated that they were freed from a bungalow at Orange Market in Mararaba ,Karu Local Council of the State.

According to the CP, the victims ,39 of which are  Malians, and one  Ivorian national, were lured to Nigeria with mouth-watering job opportunities by members of the trafficking syndicates.

Upon arrival in the country, the victims, Shettima-Jauro added, were allegedly held captive ,and forced to recruit others, with their captors engaging them in forced and slave labour.

The CP noted that the rescue of the victims , comprising 33 males and 6 females followed an intelligence-driven operation conducted by operatives.

“Upon receipt of this information, a team of Police detectives was immediately mobilised to the location where thirty-three males and seven females ,all Malian nationals , with the exception of one person from Ivory Coast, were rescued from a bungalow at Orange Market , Mararaba Karu LGA ” the CP stated .

This is as he informed that the prime suspect, Abdullahi Berter, a Malian citizen, who earlier evaded arrest, has been apprehended.

He was arrested after  operatives launched a coordinated manhunt for him.

Shettima-Jauro added that the victims will be subjected to  proper investigation and profiling for further necessary action by the Immigration authorities

The CP also emphasized that the police are presently working assiduously to establish the extent of the operations and membership of the trafficking syndicate , with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Responding, the state NIS boss Ubale , while acknowledging the receipt of the 40 victims, noted that the Command effected additional arrest of 20 Malians.

He assured that all the victims will undergo thorough investigation and profiling, before their repatriation to their various countries.

Uzodimma Congratulates Imo NUJ Chair, Nwanguma And Team On Reelection

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma and Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma

Governor Hope Uzodimma has congratulated the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Chapter, Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma and his team on their reelection to serve for another tenure of three years.

Nwanguma and his team were reelected unopposed weekend at a peaceful election conducted by the Vice President, South East Zone C of NUJ, Comrade Ezenwa Adiuku JP with the National President, Comrade Al-Hassan Yahaya, and Zonal Secretary, Comrade Irem Emmanuel in attendance.

Other officers reelected alongside Nwanguma include: Comrade Treasure Ihechi-Nwamah (Secretary), Comrade Chigozie Uzosike (Assistant Secretary), Comrade Thank God Emeh (Treasurer), and Comrade Destiny Isinwa (Internal Auditor).

All five officers were returned unopposed for second term by Imo NUJ delegates during the Triennial Delegates Conference which took place at NUJ Press Centre, New Owerri on Sunday, November 30, 2025.

A statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, Governor Uzodimma’s Chief Press Secretary/ Special Adviser Media, said the Governor had congratulated Nwanguma and his team for “winning the trust of their members who returned them unopposed.”

Governor Uzodimma however urged them

to be “magnanimous in victory by carrying every member along,” and to ensure that they “uphold the ethics of the journalism profession as they go about discharging their duties not just in Imo State but elsewhere.”

The Governor assured Nwanguma and his team of the willingness of his administration to always partner with the media to serve the public better.

Osun PDP Gov. Primary Election Put On Hold

By
Ayodele Oni
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Peoples Democratic Party - PDP

By Ayodele Oni

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State has announced that the governorship primary election of the party, slated for Tuesday may not hold.

Osun PDP Chairman, Mr. Sunday Bisi, disclosed on Monday in Osogbo that the crisis ravaging the party has made the conduct of the party’s governorship primary earlier slated for December 2 impossible.

“In the light of the foregoing, it has become inevitable, indeed unavoidable, that the PDP governorship primaries earlier slated for Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, can no longer hold as scheduled.

Bisi also revealed that Governor Ademola Adeleke may no longer be interested in seeking the nomination of the party for the 2026 governorship election.

He, however, stated that Adeleke’s decision may change with the resolution of crisis ravaging the party, which must be recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) and reached within the commission’s timeline for the Osun governorship poll.

Bisi, who briefed journalists in Osogbo, pointed out that Adeleke fully complied with all requirements set out in the PDP’s timetable for nomination, adding that he

“purchased and submitted the expression of interest and nomination forms within the stipulated window of October 13th to 25th, 2025, being the deadline for submission.

“However, soon after these pre-primary processes were concluded, the internal imbroglio rocking the national leadership of our party escalated.

“The suspension and counter-suspension of key national officers, officers who are statutorily central to the conduct of congresses, primaries, and the transmission of our candidate’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), created a level of uncertainty that directly impacted the planned schedule.

“This crisis reached a point where the statutory ad-hoc ward and local government congresses, scheduled for November 24th and 29th respectively, could not hold.

“These are the very congresses where delegates to the primaries are elected. As you are all aware, the issues leading to these disruptions are presently before various courts across the country.

“However, because of the internal crisis rocking the national leadership of our party, the information at my disposal is that Governor Ademola Adeleke may no longer be interested in seeking the nomination of the PDP for the 2026 Osun Gubernatorial Election, except a resolution recognised by INEC is reached within the INEC timeline.”

Fmr Edo Gov. Obaseki Turns Down Assembly’s Invitation, Says It’s Offensive, Laughable

By
Ayodele Oni
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Godwin Obaseki
Governor Godwin Obaseki

By Ayodele Oni

Former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has described as prejudiced, his invitation by the State House of Assembly and vowed not to appear.

The House of Assembly ad-hoc Committee probing the funding and ownership of two flagship projects from his administration, the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA) and the Radisson Blu Hotel had invited the former Governor to appear before it on Thursday.

Obaseki, through his media adviser, Crusoe Osagie, pointed out that the invitation is “offensive and laughable.”

In the statement, Obaseki argued that the matter is subjudice, already before the Courts, rendering the Assembly’s summons improper under legal principles.

“It is laughable for the Assembly to invite the former governor over a matter that is already in court,” Osagie said.

The Committee, chaired by Ade Isibor, was set up at the behest of incumbent Governor Monday Okpebholo to scrutinize the projects’ financial dealings.

“Why subject him to another round of questioning on the same issues? The Edo Assembly should learn how the law works,” Crusoe added

Obaseki, who left office in November 2024 after a contentious handover to Okpebholo, emphasized that he cannot be compelled to respond separately to overlapping inquiries.

The assembly’s letter, signed by committee secretary Bekisu Oshone Wilson, extended invitations to a broader roster of figures tied to the projects.

Among them are former Edo Finance Commissioner Joseph Eboigbe, ex-Attorney General Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, MOWAA Director Philip Iheanacho.

Executives from key private entities: Tilbury House Nigeria Limited’s Managing Director, Pramod Thorat of Hospitality Investment and Management Company (HIMC), Ugochukwu Anigbogu of Afrinvest Capital Limited, and leaders from Meristem Trustees Limited and Emerging Africa Trustees Ltd are also summoned by the assembly.

Their attendance is deemed “required” to illuminate the funding trails and ownership structures, particularly for the Radisson project, which has drawn ire for its stalled progress despite heavy public investment.

Ambassadors: Mr President: “We Reject Reno Omokri” – Delta Democrats Forum

By
The Source
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Reno Omokri
Reno Omokri

Following the nomination, by President Bola Tinubu, of Mr Reno Omokri, as Ambassador by President Bola Tinubu, a Group, Delta Democrats Forum, DDF,  has rejected him.

President Tinubu had, on Saturday, forwarded Omokri’s name, along with 31 others, to Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, for confirmation as Ambassadors.

But since the names were made public, it has been greeted with outrage with not a few people describing the list as “disgraceful, shameful, underwhelming.

Especially, three of the names have attracted a lot of criticism and controversy. They are those of a former strong Tinubu critic, Reno Omokri, former Minister for Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode and the immediate past Chairman of tye Independent National Electoral Commissioner, INEC, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu.

In continuation of the protest against the list, the DDF has written an open letter to the President, rejrcting Omokri’s appointment as a representative of Delta State, insisting that he is not a fit and proper person to be appointed from the State.

Following is the full text of the letter.

“Your Excellency,

“On behalf of the Delta Democrats Forum (DDF), a broad coalition of democratic voices committed to integrity, accountability, and responsible governance — we write to unequivocally reject the nomination of Mr. Reno Omokri as an Ambassador representing Delta State.

“While we respect the constitutional prerogative of the Presidency to nominate ambassadors, we also have a duty to defend the honour, image, and values of Delta State. It is for this reason that we must state, without reservation, that Mr. Omokri is not a suitable choice to represent our people at any diplomatic level.

“1. A Deeply Controversial Personality Unfit for Diplomacy

“Mr. Omokri has become known nationwide not for diplomacy or constructive engagement, but for provocative rhetoric, divisive commentary, and frequent public altercations, especially on social media.

An ambassador is expected to embody calmness, maturity, restraint, and statesmanship. Mr. Omokri’s record contradicts these qualities.

“Delta State cannot be represented abroad by an individual whose conduct routinely inflames tensions, fuels unnecessary controversy, and disrespects opposing views.

“2. Inconsistent Loyalties and Political Opportunism

“A diplomat must project reliability and national coherence. Yet Mr. Omokri’s history of erratic political positions, unstable loyalty, and sudden shifts in advocacy raises serious questions about his reliability.

Such inconsistency is incompatible with the responsibility and discretion required of an ambassador.

“3. He Does Not Reflect Delta State’s Values or Character

“Deltans are known nationwide for humility, decorum, tolerance, and quiet excellence.

Mr. Omokri’s public persona—marked by attention-seeking antics, insults, and unrestrained online behaviour—stands in direct contrast to the character of our people.

“As a forum committed to the integrity of Delta’s representation, we firmly state that his nomination is not in harmony with the cultural and moral standards of our state.

“4. Not Fit to Serve Even at Local Level, Let Alone Diplomatically

“Given his divisive posture and controversial public behaviour, we believe it would be difficult to justify his appointment even as a ward councillor in Delta State.

If he cannot meet the standards of local leadership, how then can he be entrusted with the responsibility of representing Nigeria and Delta State on an international platform?

“5. Delta Has More Credible and Exemplary Candidates

“Delta State is blessed with accomplished statesmen, diplomats, technocrats, scholars, and community leaders with impeccable integrity and global credibility.

Choosing Mr. Omokri disregards the wealth of qualified and respectable Deltans who would bring honour and stability to Nigeria’s diplomatic corps.

“Our Demand

“In line with our commitment to responsible leadership and the protection of Delta State’s image, the Delta Democrats Forum hereby urges Your Excellency to withdraw the nomination of Mr. Reno Omokri and replace him with a candidate who

embodies:

*unity rather than division,

*reflects the dignity of Delta State, and

*upholds Nigeria’s diplomatic reputation.

“Conclusion

“Your Excellency, this nomination has generated widespread concern among Deltans across political lines. We respectfully submit that Mr. Reno Omokri’s reputation and conduct make him entirely unsuitable to serve as Ambassador.

The Delta Democrats Forum stands firm in defense of our state’s honour and urges your administration to reconsider in the overall interest of Nigeria’s diplomatic image.

“Respectfully,

“Comrade Ufuoma Steven Atare Convener – Delta Democrats Forum

Delta Democrats Forum (DDF)

Committed to Democratic Integrity and Responsible Leadership”

Osun: Gov Adeleke Imposes Curfew On Igbabo Community

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Igbajo, in Boluwaduro Local Government Area of the State.

The action followed a  breakdown of law and order in the area.

A Prince of the town and a former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Adegboyega Famodun, reportedly passed on at the weekend.

The appointment of Famodun as the Igbabo Monarch by former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, few days to the exit of his administration was nullified by Governor Adeleke and remained a subject of litigation.

Osun State Commissioner for Information and public enlightenment Kolapo Alimi disclosed this on Monday in a statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo.

The Governor ordered an immediate lockdown of the town until normalcy is fully restored.

The State government said the unrest, which broke out on Sunday night and continued into the early hours of Monday, was linked to tensions arising from the death of Prince Adegboyega Famodun, who passed away last week after a brief illness.

Governor Adeleke who condemned the unrest, noted that his Government would not tolerate any uncivil behaviour capable of truncating the existing peace and harmony being currently experienced throughout the state.

He warned that anyone caught fomenting trouble would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

The governor directed the Army, Police, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps with other security agencies to commence 24-hour surveillance over the community.

Oyebanji Bows To Pressure, Reappoints Sacked Ekiti Commissioners

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State

By Ayodele Oni

Bowing to advice from the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC), in Ekiti state, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has reappointed all the sacked Commissioners.

Already, their names have been  forwarded as nominees to the State Assembly for screening and consideration for appointment as Commissioners in a bid to reconstitute his cabinet.

The Commissioners were relieved of their appointment in August in the wake of preparation for the APC governorship primary election.

Governor Oyebanji had accused some of them of disloyalty to him as some were reportedly backing other governorship aspirants against him.

The Special Adviser to the governor on Media, Yinka Oyebode, in a statement on Monday said the list comprised of commissioners who were members of the State Executive Council that was dissolved by the Governor on August 10, 2025.

He added that, “the decision to re-present the former Commissioners for consideration by the State Assembly was jointly taken by the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and critical stakeholders of the party in Ekiti State, who impressed it on the Governor to retain the team.

“The decision was hinged on the need for the party to go into the June 20, 2026 Ekiti State Governorship election as a united family.

“It is believed that appointing a new set of Commissioners barely seven months to the election could be counter-productive.

“Recall that the party leadership, the leadership of various towns and communities and other critical stakeholders, worked with the screening committee set up by the Governor, in the selection, nomination and appointment of the Commissioners and and other appointees in 2023.

“Governor Oyebanji, had at the inception of his administration, said the party and leaders of various towns and communities in the State would play crucial roles in the process leading to the appointment of people into offices in order to make them accountable to the people.”

“I Will Not Be Anybody’s Running Mate” – Rotimi Amaechi

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Rotimi Amaechi
Rotimi Amaechi

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Chieftain of the nascent opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Chibuike Amachi, has rubbished suggestions linking him with a possible presidential running mate.

The immediate past Transportation Minister warned against the tendency by any politicians or groups to associate his name with presidential running mate, insisting that it is either the presidency or nothing.

The Source reports that Amaechi’s clarification is coming against the backdrop of the statement credited to Dele Momodu, on Sunday November 30, 2025, claiming that former Vice president Atiku Abubakar may be forced to settle for the former Rivers State Governor as his running mate in 2027 general elections, should Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in 2023 fail to accept the position naturally reserved for him.

According to Momodu, Atiku/Obi partnership which was first tested in 2019  will be the game changer and ultimate alliance to oust President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

The media guru and known Atiku’s ally while insisting that it will be extremely difficult for a Southern candidate to upset President Tinubu in 2027, maintained that if Obi refuses to key into the Atiku ticket, Amaechi will become the next viable option.

“A lot of people are underrating Amaechi. Amaechi single-handedly handed over power to late President Mohammadu Buhari.

” What Nyesom Wike is doing now, though in an unruly manner, Amaechi did quite well when he was Governor of Rivers State. Amaechi mobilised more than any other person for Buhari, even more than Tinubu.

“If Obi does not make up his mind, or chooses to run alone, then I believe the mantle might fall on Rotimi Amaechi”, Momodu told the Punch on Sunday.

But reacting through David Iyofor his media aide, the Transportation Minister under President Buhari, noted  that the presidency having, for now,  reserved for the Southern part of the country, his ambition is to vie for the nation’s top most job.

” Amaechi is not seeking to be running mate to anybody. He does not intend to be a presidential running mate to anybody and will not be.

“Amaechi is not aware of, and will not be part of talk to be running mate to anybody. For emphasis, Amaechi is running to be president of Nigeria, and not to be a running mate to anybody.

“Politicians are kindly advised to leave Amaechi’s name out of any discussions about presidential running mate.

“It is the turn of Southern Nigeria to produce the next president, and as such, Amaechi will not settle for anything less”, Iyofor maintained.

The Source further reports that Atiku and Amaechi are already card carrying members of the ADC poised to challenge President Tinubu in 2027

However, Obi, though an integral part of the platform, is yet to formalize his membership, a development which has been unsettling to his ADC allies.

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