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Nigeria News (Standard)

Federal Government Launches ₦50 Million Cancer Fund to Support Patients Nationwide

Health ministry says new fund aims to reduce treatment burden; stakeholders urge transparency in disbursement

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Health ministry says new fund aims to reduce treatment burden; stakeholders urge transparency in disbursement

The federal government on Wednesday launched a dedicated cancer fund worth ₦50 million to assist Nigerians battling the disease, unveiling the initiative at an event in Abuja. The move, which comes as part of ongoing efforts to tackle rising cancer cases across the country, was announced by top officials from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

According to the ministry, the fund is intended to provide financial relief for indigent patients who struggle to afford critical cancer treatments. The launch ceremony, held at the ministry’s headquarters, attracted medical professionals, civil society groups and patient advocates who have long pushed for increased government intervention in cancer care.

Cancer remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with thousands of new diagnoses annually and limited access to affordable care. Many families are forced into debt or abandon treatment due to high costs of chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy. The new fund, officials say, is designed as an initial step towards a more comprehensive national response that will ease this burden for vulnerable citizens.

Speaking during the unveiling, a representative of the health ministry noted that guidelines would be developed to ensure fair and transparent allocation of the ₦50 million. “We are committed to making sure this support reaches those who need it most,” the official stated. Stakeholders present welcomed the initiative but called for proper monitoring and involvement of patient groups in oversight. Some also appealed for an increase in future allocations given the scale of need across Nigeria.

The government indicated that applications for assistance under the new cancer fund will open within weeks, with hospitals nationwide expected to participate in nominating eligible patients. Health experts maintain that sustained funding and strong accountability mechanisms will be key if the programme is to make a real impact on cancer outcomes in Nigeria.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/health/health-news/888523-federal-govt-launches-fund-to-support-cancer-patients-pledges-n50-million.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Edo Senator Okpebholo Alleges Locals Recruit Criminals From Other States for Crimes

Senator claims some residents aid insecurity by bringing in outsiders; calls for joint community and security response

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June 17, 2026

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Senator claims some residents aid insecurity by bringing in outsiders; calls for joint community and security response

Senator Monday Okpebholo, representing Edo Central Senatorial District, has raised concerns about rising criminal activities in Edo State, stating that some residents are recruiting criminals from neighbouring states to perpetrate crimes. Okpebholo made the allegation on Wednesday during an address in Edo State.

According to the senator, investigations indicate that not all criminal elements operating within Edo originate from the state. He alleged that a number of locals are complicit, actively inviting or harbouring outsiders who engage in criminal acts such as kidnapping and armed robbery. The lawmaker did not provide specific figures but insisted the trend has aggravated insecurity in various communities across the state.

Okpebholo’s comments come amid growing anxiety over security in Edo and other parts of the South-South region. Residents and community leaders have repeatedly called for more robust policing and intelligence gathering to tackle increasing incidents of violent crime. The senator warned that unless citizens collaborate with security agencies to expose collaborators within their midst, efforts to secure lives and property will remain insufficient.

“Some of our people are involved in these activities by recruiting people from other states,” Okpebholo said, urging traditional rulers and youth groups to join hands with law enforcement. He added that the government alone cannot solve insecurity without grassroots support. Security agencies have yet to issue an official response to his allegations.

The senator’s remarks are expected to spark further discussion among stakeholders on how best to address community complicity in crime. Civil society organisations have called for transparent investigations and a review of local vigilante structures, while others advocate economic empowerment programmes as a long-term solution.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/888544-our-people-recruit-criminals-from-other-states-to-perpetrate-crime-in-edo-okpebholo.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

DIG Orders Immediate Security Reinforcement in Aba to Curb Violent Crimes

Police directive comes after recent spike in armed attacks and robberies across key commercial areas of Abia South

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2 hours ago

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June 17, 2026

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Police directive comes after recent spike in armed attacks and robberies across key commercial areas of Abia South

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) has directed security agencies in Aba, Abia State, to urgently intensify operations against violent crimes following a rise in armed attacks and robberies in the city. The order was issued on Wednesday, June 17, as concerns mount over the safety of residents and businesses in the commercial hub of the South-East.

Security operatives have been instructed to increase patrols and surveillance across major roads, markets, and residential neighbourhoods notorious for criminal activity. The DIG’s intervention follows reports of recent incidents where armed men targeted both traders and commuters, leading to injuries and significant property losses. Law enforcement officers are expected to collaborate with local vigilante groups and other stakeholders to restore calm.

Aba’s status as a major economic centre in Abia South has made it a target for criminal elements, especially as economic hardship persists nationwide. Residents have repeatedly called for better protection amid fears that unchecked violence could disrupt commerce and threaten livelihoods in one of Nigeria’s most industrious cities.

According to police authorities, the new measures will include increased checkpoints, intelligence gathering, and community engagement efforts. While security personnel have assured citizens of their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, some local leaders have urged government to deploy additional resources for lasting peace.

The police said they would continue monitoring the situation closely and warned that anyone found engaging in violent crimes would be prosecuted according to the law. Community members are encouraged to report suspicious activities promptly as security agencies work to dismantle criminal networks operating within Aba.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/888542-dig-orders-swift-security-measures-against-violent-crimes-in-aba.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Kano Magistrate Court Jails Man, Fines Him ₦100,000 for Storing Human Faeces Outside Home

Environmental authorities say health risk triggered prosecution after residents’ complaints; convict reportedly collected waste for resale as fertiliser

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June 17, 2026

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Environmental authorities say health risk triggered prosecution after residents’ complaints; convict reportedly collected waste for resale as fertiliser

A magistrate court in Kano State on Monday sentenced Mohammed Saidu to two weeks in jail and imposed a ₦100,000 fine after finding him guilty of storing multiple bags of human faeces outside his residence. The case, which unfolded in a densely populated area of Kano metropolis, followed persistent complaints from neighbours about the offensive odour and health risks posed by the stored waste.

According to local authorities, residents had repeatedly appealed to Saidu to desist from the practice without success, prompting them to petition environmental regulators. Officials said environmental health officers visited the scene and discovered dozens of bags filled with human waste, which were being kept in an open area next to Saidu’s home.

Saidu earns his living by emptying septic tanks and was found to have been collecting the faecal waste for resale to farmers as organic fertiliser—an informal trade observed in parts of northern Nigeria. However, the unsanitary storage method created a serious public health hazard for those living nearby.

Delivering judgment, the magistrate noted that Saidu’s actions violated environmental sanitation laws and endangered community health. Environmental officials welcomed the verdict as a signal that similar offences would not be tolerated. The court also warned other residents against improper disposal or storage of hazardous waste materials.

While no opposition group or lawyer issued a public response as at press time, authorities say they will intensify monitoring and enforcement of hygiene standards across Kano metropolis. Residents have called on government agencies to provide safer alternatives for waste disposal and ensure regular inspections in affected neighbourhoods.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/nigerian-man-jailed-for-storing-human-faeces-outside-home-in-kano/

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