The US government has halted its support for HIV treatment in Nigeria and other developing countries following an executive order issued by President Donald Trump.

The US State Department ceased disbursement of funds from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a key program providing HIV treatment in Africa and other developing nations. The funding freeze will last at least 90 days.

The action stems from an executive order signed by President Trump on his first day in office, which directed all government agencies overseeing foreign development assistance programs to suspend funding. As a result, nearly all US global health funding, including PEPFAR, has been halted immediately.

PEPFAR, with an annual budget of $6.5 billion, has delivered HIV/AIDS treatment to over 20.6 million people globally. Since its inception, it is credited with saving an estimated 26 million lives and helping curb the spread of the virus. However, in response to the halt, the US State Department stated that it would no longer distribute funds “blindly” without returns for the American people.

Public health experts have expressed concern that the new administration may eventually terminate the program altogether. Some have held out hope that Marco Rubio’s appointment as Secretary of State could provide a positive turn for PEPFAR, given his historical support for the initiative.

In Nigeria, where about two million people live with HIV, PEPFAR plays a critical role in providing access to life-saving medications and supporting healthcare infrastructure. Nigeria, one of the countries with the highest HIV burden globally, has received over $6 billion in support from PEPFAR over the years. The suspension or permanent cessation of the program could significantly impact efforts to combat HIV in the country.

It was a Medical Doctor that killed an EFCC officer when they came like armed robbers in the middle of the night at a time the state was faced with insecurity and the man reacted in safe defence probably thinking they were robbers.

The man involved is a medical doctor with no ties to illegal activities. The pump-action gun he used was reportedly licensed. Normally, before the EFCC operates in any area, they are required to notify the local police. Unfortunately, this protocol was not followed during their operation in Awka that night.

When the doctor called to confirm whether the relevant security agencies were aware of the EFCC’s presence, he was informed that they were not. Believing he was confronted by kidnappers and acting out of self-defense, he fired when they broke into his apartment at midnight. Regrettably, two EFCC operatives were injured in the process. Upon realizing they were from the EFCC, he immediately dropped the weapon.

Meanwhile, the EFCC’s actions in Anambra have raised concerns. Initially, they attempted a raid in a particular area but were intercepted by the police, who were unaware of their operation. According to the EFCC, due to a shortage of personnel, they altered their plans and proceeded to raid a smaller location. They forcibly entered the estate and targeted apartments based on the types of cars parked outside, using them as indicators for which units to search. This raises the question: how did operatives from the EFCC’s Enugu zonal office go to Anambra amid ongoing insecurity in the state without informing the local police, especially while facing a shortage of manpower?

It is so unfortunate that we lost a staff of the commission, but this call for new strategy. I don’t buy into EFCC entering an apartment like criminals.

The went to media with story of Yahoo boys shooting EFCC operatives because they can’t defend mode of their operation in Awka that night.
EFCC should conduct investigation before invitation or even arrest.

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission should change their strategies to reflect intelligence!

– Ikechukwu Emeka Onyia
January 18, 2025

The Kano State government has launched a new initiative to address the rising problem of indiscriminate waste disposal and promote proper waste management.

The program includes the reintroduction of waste disposal bins in public transport vehicles, including tricycles (Adaidaita Sahu) and buses, as well as the placement of bins at strategic locations such as major roads, motor parks, and marketplaces.

Speaking during the official launch of the Kano State Waste Management and Refuse Disposal Initiative, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Hashimu, said the measures were designed to encourage responsible waste disposal and ensure a cleaner environment.

“These waste bins will allow commuters to dispose of their trash responsibly while on the move. Littering on the streets will no longer be condoned,” Hashimu stated. “We are working closely with the Ministries of Transportation and Commerce to tackle waste management challenges across the state effectively.”

Dr. Hashimu also revealed the government has revived street sweeping services across the state. According to the commissioner, backlog salaries owed to street sweepers have been cleared, and they are now being deployed to key locations, including major roads and public spaces.

“The reintroduction of street sweepers is part of a broader waste management strategy aimed at reducing waste accumulation, creating jobs, and ensuring that Kano remains one of the cleanest states in Nigeria,” Hashimu said.

He called on residents to take responsibility for their surroundings by using the waste bins provided and avoiding littering.