Nigeria News (Standard)
Health Advocates Demand National Sickle Cell Screening as Lagos Records 150,000 Annual Births
Experts blame poor genotype testing and stigma for high child mortality; call for urgent government intervention nationwide
Experts blame poor genotype testing and stigma for high child mortality; call for urgent government intervention nationwide
More than 150,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease every year in Lagos and other states across Nigeria, making the country the global epicentre of the condition. Health experts raised fresh concerns on Wednesday, urging federal and state governments to establish a coordinated national newborn screening programme to tackle late diagnosis and reduce preventable deaths.
According to medical professionals, the lack of routine newborn screening, widespread public ignorance about sickle cell inheritance, unreliable genotype tests and strong societal stigma have left millions vulnerable. Nigeria currently has about 50 million people carrying the sickle cell trait, with between two and three percent of the population living with the disease. Nearly half of children affected reportedly die before their fifth birthday due to missed early intervention.
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder causing red blood cells to become hard, sticky and crescent-shaped. These abnormal cells can block blood flow, resulting in severe pain crises, organ damage and a range of complications including stroke, anaemia, recurrent infections and mental health issues such as depression. Frequent hospital admissions disrupt education and employment opportunities for patients and create significant out-of-pocket costs for families.
Dr Chinedu Ezeh, a haematology consultant based in Lagos, said during a phone interview that “the lack of standardised genotype testing across laboratories has made it difficult for couples to make informed decisions.” He called on the Ministry of Health to strengthen regulatory oversight of testing centres and ensure accurate results nationwide.
Advocacy groups stressed that stigma remains a major barrier. Many patients are labelled as ‘sicklers,’ a term considered derogatory by those affected. Some reportedly hide or alter their genotype status to avoid discrimination at home or in workplaces. “Nigeria cannot win this fight if we do not address ignorance and stigma in our communities,” said Mrs Yetunde Adebayo, convener of a sickle cell awareness initiative in Ogun State.
While premarital screening campaigns have been introduced in several states, gaps in implementation persist due to poor quality control in laboratories and limited public awareness. Experts say robust government action—including full enforcement of existing sickle cell policies and increased funding for awareness campaigns—will be critical to reducing child mortality from the disease.
Stakeholders are calling on both federal and state governments to make newborn screening compulsory across all health facilities as part of routine immunisation schedules. They also want continuous education programmes targeting schools and religious centres to improve community understanding about prevention.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NSCIA Expands National Executive Council to Strengthen Muslim Representation Nationwide
Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones
Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has announced the expansion of its National Executive Council, a move aimed at deepening representation and strengthening the council’s capacity to address Muslim affairs across Nigeria. The development was made public on Monday, 5 October 2026, following a meeting of top council officials in Abuja.
According to the statement released after the meeting, the NSCIA leadership resolved to increase the number of seats on its executive body. The council said this adjustment will allow for greater input from Muslim leaders and scholars from all six geopolitical zones, reflecting the diverse interests and challenges faced by Nigeria’s Muslim community.
The decision comes at a time when many stakeholders in the Islamic community have called for more inclusive governance structures within faith-based organisations. The council noted that as Nigeria’s Muslim population continues to grow and diversify, it is critical that leadership bodies remain responsive to changing realities. The expanded executive is expected to facilitate improved consultation and coordination on religious matters affecting education, social welfare, and interfaith relations.
In its official statement, the NSCIA emphasised that “the expansion will enhance collaboration among stakeholders and ensure that voices from every region are properly represented.” While no specific figures were disclosed regarding the number of new seats or names of new appointees, the council assured members that transparency and merit would guide all selections. Attempts to reach opposition or dissenting voices within the council were unsuccessful as at press time.
The NSCIA said it will release a full list of new executive council members following its next general assembly. Observers say this move could influence policy directions within Nigeria’s wider religious landscape over the coming months.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Tenant Discovers Landlord’s Father Buried Beneath Living Room After Over a Year
Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock
Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock
A Lagos tenant, identified as Mr Bachelor, has revealed he lived for more than a year in a Surulere apartment without knowing his landlord’s late father was buried beneath the living room floor. The discovery was made on September 20, 2026, when members of the landlord’s family visited the property and informed the tenant of their intention to exhume the remains.
According to Mr Bachelor, who shared details of the incident on X (formerly Twitter), he was in his apartment when the landlord’s relatives arrived and disclosed that their late brother—who is also the landlord’s father—had been buried in the middle of his sitting room. “He was buried right in my living room, and I was not aware until they came around today,” he stated.
The family explained that they planned to move the body to another location they had prepared and assured Mr Bachelor that necessary repairs would be made to his sitting room after the exhumation. The tenant noted that he was the first occupant of the newly built house and had spent over a year there before learning about the burial.
The incident has raised fresh concerns among Lagos residents about transparency from landlords regarding property histories. Some social media users responding to Mr Bachelor’s post urged prospective tenants across Nigeria to conduct due diligence before moving into rental properties. Others called for clearer regulations around residential burials and disclosure by property owners.
As at press time, neither local authorities nor tenants’ rights groups have issued official statements on the matter. The landlord’s family has not provided additional comments beyond assurances of repairs. The situation highlights ongoing gaps in property regulation and tenant protection in Lagos State.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/man-discovers-corpse-buried-under-living-room-2026100506463406930
Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC to Address Nigerians Nationwide as 2027 Election Countdown Reaches 100 Days
Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states
Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to address Nigerians nationwide as the countdown to the 2027 general elections hits the 100-day mark. The development, expected to take place across all states, comes as political parties and voters begin preparations for one of the country’s most significant democratic exercises.
According to information from INEC headquarters in Abuja, the commission will issue a formal statement to outline its readiness and call on citizens to participate actively in the electoral process. This move is seen as part of efforts to assure stakeholders of INEC’s commitment to credible and transparent polls, following widespread debates over electoral integrity in recent cycles.
The announcement is particularly significant given Nigeria’s recent history of tightly contested elections, with issues such as voter turnout, technological deployment, and security logistics taking centre stage. Many Nigerians, especially young voters, have expressed concerns about the credibility of past elections and are watching closely for signals of improvement in 2027.
While details of INEC’s planned address remain under wraps, observers expect the commission’s leadership to emphasise the importance of voter registration, collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and adherence to election guidelines. Political analysts note that early communication from INEC could help build public confidence and encourage broader participation ahead of the polls.
With just over three months before Nigerians return to the ballot box, all eyes are on INEC’s next steps. The commission is likely to face scrutiny from both ruling and opposition parties over its preparations. As at Monday, October 5th, no official response has been issued by major political parties regarding INEC’s planned address.
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NSCIA Expands National Executive Council to Strengthen Muslim Representation Nationwide
Lagos Tenant Discovers Landlord’s Father Buried Beneath Living Room After Over a Year
INEC to Address Nigerians Nationwide as 2027 Election Countdown Reaches 100 Days
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