News
FG, UNICEF urge broadcasters to allow children participate in broadcast programmes
The Federal Ministry of Information and Culture and the United Nations Children’s’ Fund (UNICEF) have urged broadcasters to allow children to participate in the 2023 edition of the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting (ICDB).
They made the call in a joint statement on Wednesday in Abuja ahead of the ICDB celebration on Sunday.
According to the statement signed by Mr Geoffrey Njoku of UNICEF and Ms Mercy Megwa of Ministry of Information and Culture, the 2023 celebration is themed ”More Money for Primary Education”.
They urged the children to use the day to produce documentaries that highlight the plight of children in Nigeria.
“In Nigeria, primary education is officially free and compulsory but 18 million of the country’s children aged between five and 14 years are not in school.
“Only 61 per cent of six to 11 year olds regularly attend primary school.
“Adequate funding of primary education will create an enabling environment for increased demand for qualitative education which is the bedrock of enhanced knowledge, improved behaviour and personal growth of the children,” the statement said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ICDB was launched by UNICEF in 1991 to encourage broadcasters worldwide to create awareness on children’s issues.
Celebrated every first sunday in March, it is a day broadcasters allow children to be part of the programming process, to talk about their hopes, dreams and exchange ideas with their peers on issues affecting them.
Headline
NCDC registers 1,968 Lassa fever cases in 28 states

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has registered 1,068 Lassa fever infections across 112 local government areas in 28 states of the federation.
The NCDC said this via its official website on Tuesday in its Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 37 (Sep. 11 -17, 2023).
The centre indicated that 75 per cent of the cases were detected in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi States.
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus. It is primarily found in West Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria.
The virus is transmitted to humans through contact with the urine or feces of infected rodents, specifically the multimammate rat.
According to the NCDC, there are currently 7,352 individuals with suspected cases and the infection has resulted in the unfortunate loss of at least 181 lives in the country.
The centre said that the case-fatality ratio of the infection stood at 16.9 per cent.
“Cumulatively from week 1 to week 37, 2023, 181 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate of 16.9 per cent which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2022 (19.1 per cent).
“In total for 2023, 28 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 112 local government areas.
“Seventy-five per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from these three states (Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi) while 25 per cent were reported from 25 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases.
“Of the 75 per cent confirmed cases, Ondo reported 35 per cent, Edo 29 per cent, and Bauchi 11 per cent.
“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1 to 93 years, Median Age: 32 years).
“The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.9. The number of suspected cases increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2022,” it said.
It is regretted that in 2023 Lassa fever infected 49 healthcare workers across the country.
The agency said that the National Lassa Fever Multi-partner, Multi-sectoral Emergency Operations Centre had been activated to coordinate the response activities at all levels.
It added that prevention of Lassa fever involves avoiding contact with rodents and their droppings, practising good personal hygiene and taking precautions when caring for infected individuals.
The NCDC said that early diagnosis and prompt medical care are crucial in managing the disease and preventing complications.
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NLC, TUC suspend planned strike for 30 days

Organised labour unions have suspended their planned nationwide indefinite strike action for the next one month.
This was contained in a memorandum of understanding signed Monday by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja; as well as the TUC President, Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, Nuhu Toro.
The three-page document was also signed by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Dr Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
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