Good Evening. Here is today’s News Brief from The Matrix:
1. Ondo State Vows Tough Action Against Sexual Abuse
The Ondo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating sexual abuse, vowing to impose stringent penalties on perpetrators.
This declaration was made by Mrs. Olamide Falana, the Special Adviser on Gender Matters to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, during a workshop held in Akure to commemorate the 2024 World Sexual Health Day (WSHD).
2. Nigeria’s Powerlifting Star Claims Silver Att Paralympics
Nigerian powerlifter Esther Nworgu continued her nation’s impressive performance at the Paris Paralympic Games on Wednesday, securing a silver medal in the women’s 41kg category.
Nworgu’s achievement followed the earlier bronze medal won by Eniola Bolaji in badminton events.
In a closely contested final, Nworgu narrowly missed out on gold, lifting a commendable 118kg. The gold medal went to China’s Zhe Cui, who set a new Paralympic Games record with a lift of 119kg.
3. WHO Sounds Alarm On Global Cholera Surge
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about a significant increase in cholera cases and deaths worldwide in 2023. According to a statement released on Wednesday, the number of reported cholera cases rose by 13 percent compared to the previous year, while deaths from the disease surged by a disturbing 71 percent.
The WHO expressed deep concern over the fact that over 4,000 people lost their lives to cholera in 2023, a preventable and easily treatable illness. The organization emphasized the need for urgent action to address the global cholera crisis, including improving access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare services.
4. Hope Behind Bars Africa Opens Vocational Training Center For Inmates
A non-governmental organization, Hope Behind Bars Africa, has taken a significant step towards supporting the rehabilitation of inmates by launching a vocational skills center at the Dukpa Correctional Farm Centre in Gwagwala Area Council of the FCT.
During the center’s inauguration on Wednesday in Abuja, the Executive Director of Hope Behind Bars Africa, Ms. Oluwafunke Adeoye, highlighted the initiative’s importance in providing inmates with opportunities for skill development and a brighter future upon release.
The newly established center is equipped with modern sewing machines, including two industrial sewing machines and five manual sewing machines, to equip inmates with practical skills in the tailoring and garment-making industry.
4. LASTMA Warns Car Dealers Against Illegal Vehicle Displays in Lagos
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has issued a stern warning to car dealers operating in the state, prohibiting the display of vehicles in unauthorized locations.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, conveyed this message during a visit from members of the Lagos Motor Dealers Association on Wednesday in Lagos.
Bakare-Oki emphasized that displaying vehicles for sale on road setbacks, sidewalks, and other restricted areas creates significant traffic congestion and hinders the free movement of vehicles and pedestrians. He stressed the importance of maintaining order and ensuring smooth traffic flow throughout the state.
5. APC Urges NDLEA To Conduct Drug Tests On Edo Gubernatorial Candidates
The Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Edo State Governorship Election has issued a call for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to subject all participating candidates to mandatory drug tests.
In a statement released on Wednesday in Benin by its Director of Media, Kassim Afegbua, the council emphasized the importance of ensuring the mental fitness of the candidates contesting for such a crucial position.
Afegbua urged the NDLEA to prioritize the drug testing of candidates from all major political parties involved in the election, aiming to ascertain their mental state and suitability for office.
6. Lagos Lawmaker Rewards Exceptional Students With iPads and Scholarships
A state assembly member in Lagos has demonstrated his commitment to education by rewarding exceptional students with iPads and scholarships.
During the closing ceremony of the second edition of summer classes at Lagos City College, Yaba, Shabi distributed iPads to four outstanding students to aid their academic pursuits. Additionally, he announced N100,000 scholarships for each of three other deserving students.
The week-long free coaching program, held at four centers across the constituency, aimed to provide academic support to students. Shabi’s generous gesture underscores his dedication to fostering educational development in the community.
7. Gunmen Attack Police Station In Imo, Kill Officer
A violent attack was launched on the Umulogho Community in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State on Wednesday evening, resulting in the tragic death of a police officer and the destruction of a section of a police station.
According to reports, the gunmen, believed to be affiliated with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), stormed the Umulogho by NEPA Junction area on the Owerri-Umuahia Road at approximately 8 p.m. on Tuesday night. They arrived in a Sienna bus and opened fire on the police station.
The attack led to a deadly confrontation between the gunmen and security forces, ultimately claiming the life of one police officer.
8. WHO Sounds Alarm on Global Cholera Surge
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about a significant increase in cholera cases and deaths worldwide in 2023.
According to a statement released on Wednesday, the number of reported cholera cases rose by 13 percent compared to the previous year, while deaths from the disease surged by a disturbing 71 percent.
The WHO expressed deep concern over the fact that over 4,000 people lost their lives to cholera in 2023, a preventable and easily treatable illness.
The organization emphasized the need for urgent action to address the global cholera crisis, including improving access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare services.
