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  • Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Wednesday, April 16

    Top 10 stories from Nigerian newspapers

    Here are the top 10 stories making headlines across the country today.

    1. Again, Atiku laments rising insecurity, says Tinubu govt has failed Nigerians

    Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized the federal government over its handling of the country’s worsening security crisis, describing recent killings and attacks as evidence of a “total collapse” of national security under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.Read more

    2. Boko Haram ‘on its last legs,’ says Information Minister Mohammed Idris

    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that Boko Haram has been significantly weakened and is nearing defeat, describing the terrorist group as “standing on its last legs.”Read more

    3. Ondo PDP accuses Gov Aiyedatiwa of security failure, demands action

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to fulfill his responsibility of protecting the lives and property of the state’s residents, accusing him of failing in his constitutional duty amidst escalating insecurity.Read more

    4. Nigeria’s inflation inches up to 24.23% in March, says NBS

    The cost of living in Nigeria continues its upward climb, with the inflation rate rising to 24.23% in March 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Tuesday.Read more

    5. FG, States, LGAs share N1.57tr as revenue allocation for March

    The three tiers of government on Monday shared the sum of N1.57 trillion as revenue allocation for March.Read more

    6. Importation of PMS plunged by  30m litres in eight months, says NMDPRA

    The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has disclosed that the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly called petrol has plunged from 44.6 million liters a day in August 2024 to 14.7 million liters by 13 April 2025.Read more

    7. NCoS debunks reports of starvation in correctional centres

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed reports of starvation in the country’s custodial centres.Read more

    8. Navy uncovers 8 illegal bunkering sites in Ondo

    The Nigerian Navy has uncovered eight illegal bunkering sites at Obe-Akinboye sea-side community of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.Read more

    9. Iran to continue nuclear talks with U.S. in Oman

    Iran and the United States will hold the next round of talks on the controversial nuclear programme in Oman.Read more

    10. PSG, Barcelona reach Champions League semi-finals

    Paris St-Germain and Barcelona have advanced to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League after seeing off their quarter-final opponents on Tuesday night.Read more

    Source: Ripples Nigeria

  • NAFDAC Alerts Nigerians To Fake Aflotin Malaria Drugs

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Tuesday alerted the public of the presence of counterfeit Artemether/Lumefantrine tablets circulating under the brand name Aflotin 20/120 in Nigeria.

    The agency said on its X handle that the counterfeit product was discovered and reported to the agency by the genuine manufacturer, Ajanta Pharma Limited from Mumbai, India,

    According to NAFDAC, Ajanta Pharma observed that it manufactured the counterfeited product with batch number PA2128L in December 2018, with an expiry date of November 2020.

    It said the batch was created for Combisunate 20/120 (Artemether 20mg/Lumefantrine 120mg Tablets), with a pack size of 30 x 24 tablets, but had now been counterfeited and was being sold as Aflotin 20/120mg with a pack size of 1 x 18 tablets.

    It added that the overprinted matter did not match Ajanta’s overprinting style.

    The agency said the company had confirmed that the Aflotin 20/120mg with Batch No: PA2128L available in the Nigerian market was a counterfeit, as determined by the investigation carried out and observations made on the product.

    “The genuine Aflotin 20/120 tablet is a combination of Artemether/Lumefantrine (20mg/120mg) and is primarily used for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite,” it said.

    The regulatory agency emphasised that counterfeit medicines endanger people’s health because they do not comply with regulatory standards, which meant the safety, quality, and efficacy of these products are not ensured.

    “The use of counterfeit medicines often fail to treat diseases or conditions effectively, leading to serious health consequences, including death,” NAFDAC said.

    It said all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators had been informed and directed to conduct surveillance and remove any counterfeit products found within their zones and states.

    NAFDAC also advised distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the distribution, sale, and use of counterfeit products.

    It advised that all medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers.

    NAFDAC Alerts Nigerians To Fake Aflotin Malaria Drugs is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

    Source: The Whistler

  • Families deserve better than this broken social care system

    Exhausting, gruelling and stressful – just some of the words parents have used to describe their experiences of the children’s social care system. It’s a system that exists to support disabled children across the UK, of which there are 1.8 million, but unfortunately the evidence points to a fragmented, underfunded and frankly broken system, that’s letting children down and taking a huge toll on families.

    Disabled children are supposed to get support from the children’s social care system following an assessment from a social worker. If a social worker determines a child needs support, for example, in the home or with access to day services, this can be covered by local authority budgets.

    But new research by Sense reveals what parents have known for a long time – the huge delays they face to receive support.  According to our latest findings, parents are waiting more than 200 days for their child to be seen by a social worker before they can even have an assessment, with a significant number (17 per cent) waiting over a year. Without a referral and assessment, families are unable to get any support from their local authority.

    The situation means families that are able will often pay out of their own pocket to meet their disabled child’s health and social care costs, ranging from private assessments to therapy, home adaptations to accessible transport.

    According to our research parents of disabled children spent more than £1,500 of their own money in the past six months to meet their disabled child’s needs. That’s over £250 a month.

    This cash is from parents’ own pockets and does not include any welfare benefits, with more than half (56 per cent) of parents telling Sense they have had to use their savings to afford support for their child, because not enough support has been provided by their local authority.

    The financial toll this takes on families is huge, forcing some to turn to loans, credit cards and even crowdfunding to plug the gaps. The double whammy here is that many parents have to reduce their work hours or quit their jobs entirely to provide support for their disabled children – be that education support, social care support, attending healthcare appointments and more – meaning that families are also sacrificing their incomes. More than half (53 per cent) of parents have cut their working hours, with 40 per cent having to give up work entirely.

    As one mum told us: “We were used to living on two salaries, and then mine was basically replaced by £327 per month carer’s allowance. If my son was getting everything that we know he needs, and he was properly supported, I would be in work. But because we’ve been let down, we’re in this situation instead.”

    Parents are picking up the pieces of a broken system and fighting for scraps of support. It shouldn’t be this way – with families forced through multiple assessments, facing delay after delay. Many end up in court just to get what they’re entitled to, with 40 per cent of families who have been successful in securing social care support saying they had to fight their case at tribunal to get there.

    Imagine the mental toll this constant battle has on families. Many are exhausted, broken and losing sleep, with one parent, forced to quit her job to fight for her disabled son, saying: “I have been keeping myself from having a breakdown. It’s taken a lot out of me and my family. I’m struggling.”

    Disabled children and their futures are clearly bearing the brunt of this fragmented, underfunded system. So what can be done to fix it?

    The problems in the system are deep-rooted: research from the Disabled Children’s Partnership found a funding gap of £573 million in 2019/20 – a figure that’s most likely risen since this research was carried out. To fix this will require political will.

    The government needs to simplify and streamline this confusing system by establishing a clear and consistent pathway to accessing support through new laws, and laws that ensure all disabled children are assessed for their social care needs when they need it. These changes must be backed by adequate funding and investment in local services.

    Good social care can be a lifeline for disabled children, but it’s a lifeline out of reach for too many families. The government must make disabled children a priority by reforming this confusing children’s social care system, to give more children the best start in life.

    Politics.co.uk is the UK’s leading digital-only political website. Subscribe to our daily newsletter for all the latest news and analysis.

    Source: Politics

  • Warriors’ Steve Kerr voices support for Harvard during feud with Trump

    SAN FRANCISCO – Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s choice to wear a Harvard basketball t-shirt to the postgame press conference after Golden State’s 121-116 play-in victory over Memphis was followed by a statement in support of the university currently under pressure by the Trump administration.

    Harvard has challenged the administration over its demand to limit activism on campus. The Associated Press has reported that the government is freezing $2.2 billion in grants and an additional $60 million in contracts in response.  

    “Felt like a great day (to wear it). I believe in academic freedom,” Kerr said. “I think it’s crucial for all our institutions to be able to handle their own business the way they want to, and they should not be shaken down and wold what to teach, what to say, by our government.”

    The coach continued, saying, “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard, but it’s kind of par for the course right now. So yes, this is me supporting Harvard. Way to go, way to stand up to the bully.”

    Source: Paradise Post

  • Turkey begins major restoration of Hagia Sophia’s historic dome

    Istanbul, April 16, 2025

    Photo: imgix.net     

    Turkey has launched an ambitious restoration project focused on the dome of the 1,486-year-old Hagia Sophia, marking one of the most significant repair efforts in the monument’s long history, experts announced on Monday.

    The comprehensive project will reinforce the main dome and half domes of the historic structure, replace worn lead coverings, and upgrade the steel framework to protect the building from potential earthquake damage in a country traversed by numerous fault lines, Reuters reports.

    “It is truly a structure full of surprises because sometimes things develop in a way we do not expect. That is, you design and plan it, but when you open it, things may develop differently,” said Asnu Bilban Yalcin, a Byzantine art historian, speaking outside the Hagia Sophia.

    The restoration represents “the most significant intervention in over 150 years and in the totality of the structure’s long history,” according to Dr. Mehmet Selim Okten, a construction engineer and member of the scientific council overseeing the renovations.

    As part of the process, a tower crane has been installed on the eastern façade to transport materials and expedite the work. The dome will be covered with a protective frame system during the repairs, allowing experts to safely examine the building’s historical layers.

    “We have been carrying out intensive restoration efforts on Hagia Sophia and its surrounding structures for three years,” Okten explained. “At the end of these three years, we have focused on the seismic safety of Hagia Sophia, the minarets, the main dome and the main arches, especially due to the expected Istanbul earthquake.”

    The renewed focus on earthquake protection comes after a devastating 7.8 magnitude quake struck southern Turkey in 2023, killing more than 53,000 people. While Istanbul was spared, experts remain concerned about the city’s vulnerability due to its proximity to fault lines.

    Ahmet Gulec, a cultural property conservation and repair expert, noted that the real structural issues will become more apparent once the existing lead cover is removed. The restoration will focus on weak structural points identified during earthquake simulations.

    Despite the extensive nature of the work, Hagia Sophia will remain open to worshippers and visitors throughout the restoration process, though experts acknowledge this will make the repairs more challenging.

    Built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 537, Hagia Sophia served as the world’s largest cathedral for 900 years until its capture by Ottoman Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453. It was then used as a mosque for nearly 500 years before being converted into a museum by Turkey’s secular republic in 1934. First Islamic prayers in Hagia Sophia have begun, to last 24 hoursThe first Islamic prayers have already begun in the Hagia Sophai Cathedral in Istanbul, newly reconverted into a mosque by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

    “>In 2020, President Tayyip Erdogan returned the structure to its status as a mosque.

    “For this unique cultural heritage, we plan to use modern, lightweight materials and keep the building open to the public,” Okten said, adding that the renovation process would be “monitored transparently.”

    The experts did not specify a completion date for the project, citing potential delays due to weather conditions and unforeseen additional work that may be required once restoration begins in earnest.

    Visitors to the site have expressed support for the preservation efforts. “Hagia Sophia is amazing, it’s one of the world’s most important monuments,” said Cambridge University lecturer Rupert Wegerif. “It seems really important that they are going to strengthen it in case of earthquakes and preserve it.”

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    Source: Orthodox Christianity

  • Archbishop calls for 'compassion for the people we serve' at 2025 Chrism Mass

    Archbishop José H. Gomez invited Los Angeles priests to reflect on the “nobility of our priestly calling” as they renewed their ordination vows at the 2025 Chrism Mass on April 14.

    “We are called to be men whose hearts are shaped by our friendship with Jesus and by the ministry that he has entrusted to us, by the sacred mysteries that we celebrate every day at the altar, and by our care and compassion for the people we serve,” Archbishop Gomez said in his homily at the Mass, celebrated annually during Holy Week where oils used for sacraments are blessed and distributed to parishes.

    The archbishop also called on the priests to help Catholics “grow in their trust and confidence in God’s plan for their lives” in their ministry.

    “With Jesus, we preach the word of hope, and at the altar we make that hope real. With Jesus, we walk with our people, guiding them along the pathway of hope.”

    Some 400 priests and nearly 4,000 faithful filled the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on the Monday evening for the special Chrism Mass, where the oils to be used throughout the upcoming year for anointing of the sick, baptisms, confirmations, ordinations, and more were blessed by Archbishop Gomez.

    In speaking about the oils and what they represent, Archbishop Gomez said that the anointing is another example of God’s love for us.

    “By this anointing, each of us has received the Spirit and been made a child of God and an heir of Jesus and the hope of his resurrection — the hope of eternal life, the hope of the kingdom that he promises to those who love him,” Archbishop Gomez said.

    “And this hope means that whatever happens in our lives, whatever sufferings we’re asked to endure, whatever dark valleys we’re called to walk, we can be certain that Jesus is walking with us, and that he will always give us the strength we need.”

    When it came time for the blessing, the oil for each sacrament was brought first in a large jar, followed by handfuls of young people who paraded in, carrying trays of smaller jars of oils to be blessed, and placed them on rows of tables set up on the altar.

    At each table, Archbishop Gomez ritualistically removed his miter and relinquished his crozier before blessing the oils, first the ones for anointing of the sick, then oil for catechumens, and finally the consecration of the Chrism.

    At the beginning of the Mass, Archbishop Gomez recognized priests celebrating jubilarian anniversaries of 50 years in the priesthood. Father Francis Ty Bui, Father Vito DiMarzio, and Father Ramon Valera stood for applause at the cathedral. Although not in attendance, Father Brian Delaney, Father Guillermo Garcia, Father Gilberto Martinez Bedolla, Father Livio Stella, and Father Aldo Vendramin were also recognized.

    Emeritus archbishop Cardinal Roger Mahony, who is celebrating 50 years as a bishop, was also recognized during the Mass.

    “Congratulations to the jubilarians on your anniversary,” Archbishop Gomez said. “We pray for you in a special way this evening. Thank you for all your ministry during these 50 years.”

    At the end of the Mass while praying for priestly vocations, Archbishop Gomez noted several markers of good news in the archdiocese: More than 5,000 were going to be welcomed into the Church on Easter, while eight transitional deacons were about to enter the priesthood, and 18 permanent deacons were soon to be ordained.

    “Let’s keep bringing the good news of the life and teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ to the people in our families and in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles,” Archbishop Gomez said.

    Young people parade in carrying trays of oils to be blessed by Archbishop José H. Gomez during the annual Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on April 14. (John Rueda)
    author avatar

    Mike Cisneros is the associate editor of Angelus.

    Source: Angelus News

  • Drivers (Manual) at Paras Energy April, 2025

    Click Here To Apply

  • Relationship Manager at Old Mutual April, 2025

    Never pay for any CBT, test or assessment as part of any recruitment process. When in doubt, contact us

    Old Mutual Limited (OML) is a premium African financial services group that offers a broad spectrum of financial solutions to retail and corporate customers across key markets in 14 countries.

    Job Description

    • We are hiring!!! 

    • Old Mutual Insure is looking for a Relationship Manager. The role will be based Durban offices and will report to Senior Relationship Manager.

    Purpose of the Job

    • Manage the broker / intermediary relationship to meet growth and profitability targets across multiple products and solutions for a portfolio of clients. Support the delivery and execution of an excellent individual and / or corporate client experience, including marketing support.

    Critical objectives and responsibilities

    • Identify innovative methods to maximise broker / intermediary solution sales opportunities within the client portfolio.

    • Manage the broker / intermediary solutions embedded with a client and ensure that optimum business flows from the solution.

    • Continuously identify new broker / intermediary solution opportunities within the client’s environment.

    • Identify new potential intermediaries & opportunities for block business & book take overs.

    • Prepare for broker / intermediary visits on new business by reviewing large quotations, number of business quotes and conversion ratio data to guide conversations / provide status updates.

    • Provide input into the broker / intermediaries’ business by sharing analysis and providing recommendations how to grow the book by concentrating on the brokers / intermediaries’ strengths in their preferred segments.

    • Prepare SWOT analysis on current broker / intermediary portfolio to understand what drives their business.

    • Select and apply the optimal strategy and business plan to enable the broker / intermediary to drive growth and profitability on an annual basis.

    • Provide analysis at portfolio meetings of the broker / intermediaries performance including explanations and action plans to improve growth and profitability of underperforming portfolios.

    • Identify cross & up selling opportunities across all products.

    • When portfolio is consistently running at a loss, action must be taken in conjunction with the underwriting team and intermediary.

    • Manage the implementation of operating procedures as well as monitor the quality, service standards and operational processes related to the applicable product or solution.

    • Collaborate with broker / intermediaries to facilitate multi-product training interventions to create awareness regarding the processes and operational aspects of the different products.

    • Make recommendations to improve client service and fair treatment of clients within area of responsibility.

    • Support financial advisors/ brokers will marketing support and initiatives as and when they arise.

    Experience, knowledge & skills required

    • Grade 12 with Insurance Level IV qualification. 

    • Relevant tertiary qualification would be advantageous

    • 5 – 8 years’ experience in Underwriting and leading a team of Portfolio Managers.

    • 3 – 5 years’ experience in short term insurance sales.

    • Provides specialist knowledge and executes account development strategies and sales business plans in order to achieve large-sized sales targets.

    Responsibilities

    Data Collection and Analysis

    • Use data from a wide range of sources to analyze key themes and identify possible impacts on the business.

    Information and Business Advice

    • Provide specialist advice on the interpretation and application of policies and procedures, resolving complex or contentious queries and issues and enabling others to take appropriate actions.

    Document Preparation

    • Write and edit material for various target populations, tailoring the tone and content to match the needs and expectations of each audience.

    Insights and Reporting

    • Contribute to the design and creation of reporting strategies and templates. Lead execution of complex reports, identifying and interpreting complex patterns and trends, and translating those insights into actionable recommendations. 

    Customer Relationship Management / Account Management

    • Develop and implement relationship management plans for complex existing customer accounts to identify and build relationships with relevant decision-makers and influencers within the customer organization and to enable effective two-way flow of information and resolution of issues. Manage ongoing relationships with identified customer segments to ensure their needs are met, providing themes, summary analyses, and recommendations for changes based on customer input.

    Financial Advice

    • Implement the strategy for providing financial advice within an area of limited complexity, taking its distinctive client demographics and needs into account.

    Sales

    • Sell standard products and services to customers and/or supervise a team of sales advisers.

    Operational Compliance

    • Monitor and review performance and behaviors within area of responsibility to identify and resolve noncompliance with the organization’s policies and relevant regulatory codes and codes of conduct.

    Personal Capability Building

    • Act as subject matter expert in an area of technology, policy, regulation, or operational management for the team. Maintain external accreditations and in-depth understanding of current and emerging external regulation and industry best practices through continuing professional development, attending conferences, and reading specialist media.

    Skills

    • Action Planning, Client Management, Computer Literacy, Data Analysis, Database Reporting, Data Compilation, Data Interpretations, Evaluating Information, Management Reporting, Numerical Aptitude, Oral Communications, Professional Presentation, Report Review, Sales Software, Statistical Analysis Techniques

    Competencies

    • Builds Networks

    • Business Insight

    • Communicates Effectively

    • Customer Focus

    • Decision Quality

    • Ensures Accountability

    • Manages Complexity

    • Optimizes Work Processes

    Education

    • NQF Level 7 – Degree, Advance Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate or equivalent

    Closing Date

    Click Here To Apply

  • Nigeria’s inflation jumps to 24.23% in March 2025

    Nigeria’s headline inflation rate rose to 24.23% in March 2025, according to the official government data source, the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS). 

    The rise in the country’s inflation rate, from 23.18% back in February 2025 to 24.23% in March 2025, reflected a major increase in the rising commodity and energy costs in the last few weeks. 

    According to the March 2025 Consumer Price Index (CPI) Report which measures the inflation rate released by the government agency on Tuesday, April 15, the country’s food inflation rate was 21.79% year-on-year in March 2025. 

    The food inflation rate, however, showed a decrease compared to the food inflation rate of 23.51% recorded in February 2025. 

    Economists had predicted that the country’s inflation rate which decreased minimally in February would rise. Some observers had also said the minimal reduction in the prices of food commodities experienced earlier in February was not sustainable, attributing the temporary decline in the prices of food to the importation intervention of the Federal Government.

    Source: Linda Ikeji

  • Armed Herdsmen Invade Another Benue Community, Kill Residents, Set Houses Ablaze

     Suspected armed herdsmen have launched a deadly attack on Otobi community in Akpa District of Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State, leaving several residents feared dead and properties destroyed in a fiery onslaught that began at about 5pm on Sunday.

     

    It was gathered that the attackers stormed the village unexpectedly, opening fire on residents and setting homes ablaze. 

     

    Meanwhile, the assault sent hundreds fleeing into surrounding bushes and neighbouring communities.

     

    A resident, John Ada, who managed to escape, described the situation as horrific. 

    “The armed herdsmen invaded Otobi and those fleeing recovered three corpses, but the casualty figure will be far more than that, because they are still shooting and people are fleeing. It is a troubling situation,” he told reporters via telephone.

     

    Another survivor, Edwin Emmanuel, narrowly escaped with his life. “We are under severe attack by herdsmen. My wife and children are fleeing from the community, as I speak. Please call for help,” he said in a desperate plea.

     

    The attack has sparked fear and chaos across the district. Hon. Kennedy Angbo, the lawmaker representing Otukpo-Akpa State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, confirmed the development, noting that an unconfirmed number of people had been killed.

     

    “I have received reports from constituents fleeing the community. They say many have died and the attack is still ongoing. This is a sad moment for our people, and I urge security agencies to respond swiftly,” Angbo said.

     

    Council Chairman of Otukpo Local Government, Maxwell Ogiri, who is currently in Abuja, also confirmed the assault. He revealed that he had directed aides in the area to immediately mobilise security agents.

     

    “Yes, the attack by herders on Otobi community is confirmed. I am not around. I am in Abuja. This evening, my aides called to inform me that Otobi community was under severe attack, and that the attack was still ongoing,” Ogiri stated. 

     

    “I have directed my aides around the axis to mobilise security personnel on my behalf to the area. As I speak with you, security agents are being drafted to the area.”

    Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

     

    Benue State has been one of the epicenters of repeated attacks by suspected herders in recent years, with local communities often left devastated and displaced. 

     

    Human rights groups have long called for more robust intervention from federal authorities to end the cycle of violence. 

    Source: Sahara Reporters