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NCDC Reveals That Diphtheria Now over 1,300 As Vaccination Gaps Persist

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Nationwide Diphtheria Vaccination

NCDC Reveals That Diphtheria Now over 1,300 As Vaccination Gaps Persist

NCDC reveals that diphtheria now over 1,300 as vaccination gaps persist. The NCDC says Kano State accounts for 75 per cent of confirmed cases, with 18,108 out of 25,812.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has said 1,319 deaths have been recorded in the country’s ongoing diphtheria outbreak.

The NCDC said this in its latest situation report from the National Diphtheria Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) published on Sunday via its official website.

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by corynebacterium diphtheriae.

It typically affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose, where the bacterium produces a toxin that can lead to complications such as breathing difficulties, heart failure or nerve damage.
Vaccination is the primary means of prevention, and early treatment with antitoxins and antibiotics is crucial for managing the disease.

The NCDC said that over 42,000 suspected cases had been reported across 37 states since 2022.

“The report covered Epidemiological Week 10 of 2025. It highlighted persistent challenges in tackling the disease, including low vaccination coverage, inadequate laboratory capacity and delayed case confirmation,” it said.

According to the NCDC, Kano State accounts for 75 per cent of confirmed cases, with 18,108 out of 25,812. Other high-burden states include Bauchi (2,334), Yobe (2,408) and Katsina (1,501).

The public health agency said that the case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 5.1 per cent, meaning one in every 20 confirmed cases results in death.

“In some states, the mortality rate is even higher. Kaduna recorded the per cent, Plateau has 48 per cent, Lagos has 83 per cent and Adamawa has 80 per cent,” it said.

In the latest reporting week, the agency said that 23 new suspected cases were reported – 20 in Lagos and three in Katsina. It, however, said that none has been confirmed yet, with 56.5 per cent of cases still unclassified due to delays in laboratory confirmation.

The NCDC said the Federal Government had launched reactive vaccination campaigns in high-burden states and intensified community engagement with traditional and religious leaders.

Public health experts have warned that late diagnosis and poor access to treatment may be contributing to the high fatality rates.

Despite Nigeria’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), the report revealed that only 4,981 (19.3 per cent) of confirmed cases were fully vaccinated with a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine.
According to a virologist, Dr Solomon Chollom, the numbers indicate a critical gap in routine immunisation coverage, particularly in northern Nigeria.

Mr Chollom emphasised the need for urgent mass vaccination campaigns, particularly targeting children aged one year to 14 years, who make up 62.9 per cent of confirmed cases.
He said that another alarming finding was Nigeria’s limited testing capacity.

“In 2024, all cases were confirmed based on clinical symptoms rather than laboratory testing, indicating shortages of reagents and PCR capacity for diphtheria diagnosis. This raises concerns about the actual burden of the disease. Without widespread testing, we could be underreporting or misdiagnosing cases,” he said.

The government promised to improve laboratory capacity and optimise protocols for PCR testing, but implementation has been slow.

Experts advised that there was a need for a nationwide diphtheria vaccination drive, improved disease surveillance and a steady supply of diagnostic materials.

With Nigeria facing one of its worst diphtheria outbreaks in decades, health officials warn that without improved vaccination and surveillance efforts the situation could worsen.

NCDC Reveals That Diphtheria

NCDC Reveals That Diphtheria

The government has outlined certain steps to be taken. They include increasing case management support and data harmonisation across affected states and improving laboratory diagnosis through PCR testing on clinical samples.

Others are expanding vaccination coverage to close immunity gaps, particularly among children and strengthening public awareness campaigns through social media and community engagement.

Public health experts say preventive vaccination remains the best defence for now, urging parents to ensure that their children receive routine immunisations.

Crime

EFCC Arraigned Woman In Borno Over Alleged N6.8m Romance Scam

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EFCC Arraigned Woman

EFCC Arraigned Woman In Borno Over Alleged N6.8m Romance Scam

EFCC arraigned woman in Borno over alleged N6.8m romance scam. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Catherine Ijeoma Ugwu before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri, over allegations of a N6.8 million fraud.

Ugwu was charged on Monday, March 17, 2025, in connection with a romance scam in which she allegedly deceived a victim, Emmanuel Ani, by posing as his fiancée, “Miss Chinansa.”

The EFCC filed a four-count charge against her, including obtaining by false pretence, criminal misappropriation, and impersonation.

According to the anti-graft agency, between June 2023 and August 2024, Ugwu fraudulently obtained N6,710,300 from Ani under the guise of supporting his supposed fiancée.

Upon hearing the charges, Ugwu pleaded not guilty.

Court Remands Ugwu, Trial Set for April 8

EFCC Arraigned Woman

EFCC Arraigned Woman

Following her plea, prosecution counsel S.O. Saka and Faruku Muhammad urged the court to set a trial date and remand the defendant in a correctional facility. Justice Kumaliya granted the request, adjourning the trial until April 8, 2025.

The EFCC disclosed that Ugwu failed to return or account for the money when confronted by the petitioner.

The commission reiterated its commitment to tackling financial crimes, particularly scams involving deception and impersonation.

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Crime

Government Directs Verification Of March Salaries Before Payment In Kano

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Kano State

Government Directs Verification Of March Salaries Before Payment In Kano

Government directs verification of March salaries before payment in Kano. The Kano State Government has mandated civil servants to verify their March salaries before disbursement.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Faruk Umar Ibrahim, announced the directive on Monday, citing concerns over deductions and irregularities in January and February salaries.

“To ensure transparency and fairness, all civil servants must confirm their salary details through their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and report any discrepancies,” Ibrahim stated.

Salary lists will be displayed at key locations within MDAs and all 44 local government secretariats to facilitate the process.

A committee, led by Head of Service Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, has been set up to oversee the verification and expedite payments.

Kano State

Kano State

Acknowledging the approaching Eid-el-Fitr celebration, Ibrahim assured workers that efforts were underway to ensure timely salary payments.

He also emphasized that the exercise would not disrupt government operations.

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Economy

PUMA Replaces Nike as Premier League’s Official Ball Supplier In 2025/26 Season

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PUMA Replaces Nike as Premier League’s Official Ball Supplier In 2025/26 Season

PUMA replaces Nike as premier league’s official ball supplier in 2025/26 season. Global sportswear brand PUMA has secured a major deal with the Premier League, becoming its Official Ball Supplier starting from the 2025/26 season.

Announced on Monday, this partnership sees PUMA take over from Nike, which has supplied match balls for the league for over two decades.

The agreement will not only place PUMA’s ball at the heart of every Premier League match but also involve collaborations on grassroots programs, high-profile marketing campaigns, and events like the Premier League Summer Series in the U.S.

PUMA CEO Arne Freundt described the deal as a significant step in the company’s efforts to elevate its brand in elite football.

“With PUMA’s ball at the center of attention during every match, we will create unforgettable moments for players and fans alike,” he said.

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters welcomed the partnership, emphasizing PUMA’s strong history in football and its alignment with the league’s values.

PUMA Replaces Nike

PUMA Replaces Nike

 

 

 

 

 

“We are delighted to welcome PUMA as the Official Ball Supplier of the Premier League. Their global reach and commitment to excellence will help inspire fans worldwide,” Masters stated.

With this landmark deal, PUMA expands its influence in top-tier football, strengthening its presence in the world’s most-watched league.

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