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Climate change: World Bank disburses N5bn to 140 Plateau communities

Michael Simire
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Climate change: World Bank disburses N5bn to 140 Plateau communities

The World Bank says it has disbursed N5 billion to 140 communities across the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State to help them tackle climate change.

ACReSAL
Formal disbursement of the funds to the benefitting communities

Country Director of World Bank in Nigeria, Mr. Ndiame Diop, said this on Thursday, January 16, 2025, in Jos, the state capital, during the formal disbursement of the funds to the benefitting communities.

Diop, however, said that the pilot scheme of the project would commence with 10 communities.

He said that the fund was being disbursed through the bank’s Agro Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) project.

According to him, the initiave is part of the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) under ACReSAL project.

“As you know, desertification and climate change are already threatening agriculture, which is a key source of livelihood of the people of Plateau.

“This investment is part of ACReSAL complements, a range of investments around land and water management within the comprehensive framework around a 10-year watershed management plan.

“So, this is complementary between these interventions and activities led by the communities and those investments to improve land and water around the communities.

“Now, unlike grant, the CRF will operate as a loan programme designed to support community groups in implementing community climate resilient initiatives.

“This financial support is specifically targeted toward ACReSAL registered Community Interest Groups across the state in targeted watershed,” he said.

Diop, who hinted that the bank had supplied 20 tractors and other farming inputs to the state as part of the project, said that the initiative aimed at tackling poverty and promoting food security in the state.

Speaking, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang thanked the World Bank for choosing the state to implement the project, particularly in tackling climate change and promoting dry season farming.

Mutfwang said that the project, “no doubt, would empower local communities in the state to implement innovative and crucial strategies toward addressing climate change and ensuring food security in the state”.

He warned the beneficiaries to put the funds into good use, adding that anyone caught violating the rules of engagement would be sanctioned.

“Let me, therefore, remind the project coordinator and his team that it will not be business as usual.

“We will make sure that we audit every project and ensure that we are on the road to success.

“The first rule is that this is money you will pay back, so take that into your mind and I will charge the men in these groups not to marry additional wives.

“You are the first fruits, you are the first born of this scheme, if you succeed, it means that the story of poverty on the Plateau will turn around.

“I don’t know how these communities were selected because I didn’t interfere.

“We allowed the project coordinator and his team to select these communities based on the established criteria.

“But I want you to know that we will be monitoring your progress very closely,” the governor said.

By Polycarp Auta

WHO launches $1.5bn emergency appeal to tackle global health crises

Michael Simire
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WHO launches $1.5bn emergency appeal to tackle global health crises

Conflict, climate change, epidemics, and displacement are converging to create an unparalleled global health crisis, with 305 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance in 2025. In response, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is calling for $1.5 billion for its 2025 Health Emergency Appeal (HEA), to support life-saving health interventions worldwide.

Tedros Ghebreyesus
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organisation (WHO)

The appeal, launched on Thursday, January 16, 2025, by WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, outlines the critical priorities and resources needed to address 42 ongoing health emergencies, including 17 Grade 3 crises – the most severe emergencies requiring the highest level of response. With health systems stretched to their limits and global financial resources dwindling, the $1.5 billion are needed to help people facing the most difficult situations.

“Conflicts, outbreaks, climate-related disasters and other health emergencies are no longer isolated or occasional – they are relentless, overlapping and intensifying,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “From controlling cholera outbreaks to providing mental health support in conflict zones, WHO’s work extends beyond the immediate care we provide. We empower communities to protect themselves, prioritise equity, and build a legacy of preparedness. This appeal is about enabling WHO to save lives, protect the right to health, and provide hope where there is none.”

A coordinated response to protect vulnerable populations

WHO says it is committed to delivering emergency health assistance, including in conflict zones such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, the occupied Palestinian territory and Sudan. It adds that it’s response in emergencies is aligned with wider humanitarian efforts and prioritises providing essential care and medical supplies; treating malnutrition and supporting maternal and child health; conducting vaccination campaigns to prevent disease outbreaks; and offering mental health support to populations impacted by trauma.

The Appeal highlights four key challenges facing the world currently: climate change, conflict, displacement and disease outbreaks. These are responsible for fueling deeper, longer lasting health crises and putting the world’s most vulnerable at greater risk.

The appeal further details the priorities and financial needs for each of the Grade 3 emergencies that WHO is responding to.

With the support of donors and partners, WHO says it aims to fulfill its unique role in health emergencies, while upholding the principles of international humanitarian law, ensuring that no one is left behind even in the most challenging circumstances.

A call to action

WHO said: “This appeal is about more than just funding – it is a call to action. As crises grow more frequent and severe, the gap between global needs and available resources continues to widen. Supporting WHO’s Health Emergency Appeal is a vital investment in global solidarity and health equity.”

California wildfires: Los Angeles residents gather aid without government help

Michael Simire
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California wildfires: Los Angeles residents gather aid without government help

Residents of Los Angeles have said that they are not waiting for the government to provide aid amid wildfires sweeping across California.

California wildfires
California wildfires

They said they are donating food and clothing to those whose homes had been destroyed by the fire, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported.

The fires raging in Los Angeles had already claimed dozens of lives, leaving many more without a roof over their heads.

The latter are supposed to receive the humanitarian aid, which was being collected in many neighbourhoods and sometimes even on the side of the road.

While Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass had urged people to search online for information on emergencies, shelters, and resources, locals were bringing food, clothing and diapers.

Even dog foods were being brought to the nearest relief sites.

Some volunteers even started cooking.

At the same time, as California Governor, Gavin Newsom tried to rally city officials and local businesses to help rebuild the city for the 2028 Olympic Games, people were lining up at relief centers.

He said victims of the fires were actively visiting humanitarian sites to get needed items, some food, or a shower but the supply does not seem to be running out.

The roads leading to the sites of the worst fires are decorated with posters giving directions to the relief spots or the nearby shelter for those left without homes.

“We are just helping the community, people who lost their homes with the fire last Friday,’’ one of the volunteers, Jose, told RIA Novosti.

He also said that volunteers acted mostly on their own, without help from the government, and only the National Guard and Sheriff’s Department are protecting homes from looters.

“A lot of people have come and donated food, water, clothes, and shoes. We have been here since last Friday trying to help everybody who can come and get whatever they need,’’ Jose said.

The volunteer also said the fire, which was the worst fire he had seen in his whole life, came to his neighbourhood with strong winds. 

Eni awards 30 post graduate scholarship to Nigerian graduates

Michael Simire
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Eni awards 30 post graduate scholarship to Nigerian graduates

Eni’s subsidiary, Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAE), on behalf of NNPC Limited and NAE PSC, has awarded scholarships to 30 Nigerian graduates for Post Graduate studies in Nigerian and overseas Universities under its 2024/2025 Scholarship Awards Scheme.

Eni
Vice Chairman and Managing Director of NAE, Fabrizio Bolondi, and Deputy Managing Director, Dr. Richard Orianzi, presenting the award to some beneficiaries

Under the scheme, 10 beneficiaries will undertake postgraduate studies in various universities in the United Kingdom and Canada. The remaining awardees will pursue their postgraduate studies in Nigerian universities in disciplines such as Engineering, Geosciences, Petroleum and Environmental Technology, Renewable Energy and Petroleum Law.

At the ceremony held to award the beneficiaries in Abuja, the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of NAE, Mr. Fabrizio Bolondi, congratulated the awardees, stating that the scholarship award has presented them with the opportunity to pursue their dreams and achieve their career objectives.

“The award ceremony highlights our continuous commitment to the future of education, innovation, and progress in Nigeria, and a moment of pride for the company to recognize the incredible talent and dedication of the scholars,” he stated, enjoining the beneficiaries to remain focused on their studies to capture the full benefits of the initiative.

The postgraduate scholarship scheme was instituted by NAE PSC partners in 2007 as part of the company’s human capital development initiatives to promote knowledge acquisition and bridge the skills gap in specialised fields relevant to deep offshore Oil & Gas operations in Nigeria.

To date, 320 graduates have benefitted from the Postgraduate Scholarship Schemes, instituted by the company to contribute to the training of local professionals, providing the knowledge and skills required within the industry.

Eni, through NAE, has implemented other sustainability initiatives in Nigeria in areas of health, education, access to water and infrastructure provisions, as well as specific initiatives for stakeholder empowerment in local communities. These include provision of 22 integrated water schemes for domestic consumption and irrigation purposes in North-East Nigeria and Abuja Federal Capital Territory, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) to improve access to water for the communities affected by the humanitarian crisis in North-East Nigeria.

Others are provision of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) equipment to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt; Cardiothoracic equipment including Heart-Lung Machine LivaNova (Sorin/Stockert) S5 complete system at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano; as well as a Research and Innovation Laboratory at the University of Lagos, Nigeria.

Nigerian Agip Exploration (NAE) was incorporated in 1996 to manage the company’s deep offshore exploration and production assets. NAE has the distinction of being the first oil and gas company in Nigeria to produce oil from the country’s deep offshore. NAE has interests in six deep offshore blocks in Nigeria, either as Operator or as Co-Venturer.

Tinubu congratulates Nigerian scientists, engineers on making Biden’s honour list

Michael Simire
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Tinubu congratulates Nigerian scientists, engineers on making Biden’s honour list

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated six Nigerians named by President Joe Biden among the 400 recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) in the United States.

PECASE
Nigerian recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) in the United States

This recognition, established by former President Bill Clinton in 1996, is the highest honour bestowed by the United States government on outstanding scientists and engineers in the early stages of their careers.

This year’s awardees, announced by Biden on January 14, 2025, are employed or funded by 14 participating United States government agencies, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Spokesman, said in a statement on Thursday, January 16, in Abuja.

The Nigerian honourees include Azeez Butali, Gilbert Lilly Endowed Professor of Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa; and Ijeoma Opara, Associate Professor of Public Health (Social and Behavioral Sciences), Yale School of Public Health, Yale University.

Others are: Oluwatomi Akindele, Postdoctoral researcher at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; and Eno Ebong, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, and Biology at Northeastern University;

The rest are: Oluwasanmi Koyejo, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University; and Abidemi Ajiboye, Executive Vice Chair of the Case School of Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University.

Tinubu commended the awardees for their achievements in science, technology and engineering.

He noted that recognising the talents of the awardees underscored Nigerians’ vast potential to excel both at home and on the global stage.

Tinubu looked forward to the honourees sharing their multidisciplinary expertise to benefit Nigeria’s development efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

By Salif Atojoko

IEA says nuclear power making comeback worldwide

Michael Simire
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IEA says nuclear power making comeback worldwide

International Energy Agency (IEA) has said that nuclear energy is set to make a global comeback in view of an increasing electricity demand.

Fatih Birol
Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA)

This is according to a study released on Thursday, January 16, 2025, by the agency.

Interest in nuclear energy is greater than it has been since the oil crisis of the 1970s, with more than 40 countries seeking to expand nuclear energy, the IEA report said.

The increase in demand for electricity is not only coming from traditional sectors such as industry, but also from new areas such as electric cars, data centres, and to power artificial intelligence.

According to the IEA, electricity generation from the global fleet of almost 420 reactors will reach a new peak this year.

“It’s clear today that the strong comeback for nuclear energy that the IEA predicted several years ago is well underway, with nuclear set to generate a record level of electricity in 2025.’’

IEA Executive Director, Fatih Birol, made this known.

“In addition to this, more than 70 gigawatts of new nuclear capacity is under construction globally, one of the highest levels in the last 30 years.

“More than 40 countries around the world have plans to expand nuclear’s role in their energy systems.’’

Birol pointed to small modular reactors in particular as offering “exciting growth potential.’’

Nuclear power accounts for almost 10 per cent of global electricity generation and the second-largest source of low-emission electricity after hydropower.

UN assists 100 countries with climate action plans

Michael Simire
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UN assists 100 countries with climate action plans

The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has said that the UN is assisting nearly 100 developing countries with their climate action plans ahead of the pivotal COP30 in Brazil later this year.

António Guterres
UN Secretary-General, António Guterres

The 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) will be held in Brazil from Nov 10 to 21, 2025.

Guterres said this in New York in his traditional New Year address to the General Assembly.

He promised a special stocktaking event to keep the 1.5℃ target within reach.

Referencing the infernos engulfing the canyons of Los Angeles, the UN chief said everyday people worldwide are suffering the deadly effects of a warming planet and extreme weather.

But here too, there is a huge opportunity to reverse the damage and build on climate action such as renewable energy growth, a commitment to net zero and national plans to cut emissions.

The UN chief underscored positive developments on climate action that reflect the commitment of the United Nations to combating global warming, as the world now invests almost twice as much in clean energy as it does in fossil fuels.

Also a measure of how much socio-economic progress has been made in line with UN values, Guterres noted that “in much of the world, girls have achieved parity in education.

On health matters, moreover, “more children are surviving today than ever before,” he insisted, before adding that HIV infections “continue to dramatically decline, along with malaria mortality rates”.

He described the UN as “a force of construction” that is always strengthening how it works and delivers, proving the maxim that global problems need global solutions.

But there can be no illusions that action or inaction has “unleashed a modern-day Pandora’s Box of ills,” he continued, highlighting protracted wars, inequality, the climate crisis and “out of control technology.”

Guterres, however, called for negotiators who are reportedly close to a deal on a Gaza ceasefire to finalise the deal. Throughout the whole Middle East “we must deny extremists a veto over a peaceful future,” he said.

He announced he would be travelling to Lebanon later in the day, emboldened by the positive developments there in recent weeks that could see Israelis and Lebanese forge a new and lasting era of peace and security.

The UN chief highlighted conflict in Ukraine, Sudan, the Sahel and Haiti.

“Inequalities can be beaten,” he said boldy, starting with accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through multilateral reform on all fronts.

He said the scourge of discrimination and hate speech was also fuelling inequality, demonstrating the need to strengthen “communities of belonging”:

“This is even more crucial as guardrails around social media platforms are being dismantled, allowing disinformation and hate speech to run rampant.

The secretary-general said the technology revolution in 2025 also offers “unprecedented opportunities” but needs careful stewardship and a commitment to equal access for all.

Rapid and decisive action must be taken across the UN to ensure a level playing field including the setting up of an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI – without delay.

Secondly, governance of Artificial Intelligence must protect human rights while also promoting innovation. Third, developing countries must be supported so AI can be leveraged for sustainable development, he said.

“Humanity’s hand must be firmly in control” of the tech revolution, he added, with every nation helping to shape AI to advance human progress, equality and dignity.

He further noted that the Pandora myth includes one often overlooked detail. After the box was opened unleashing its horrors, there was one thing left inside – hope.

“We must never lose sight of hope.

“And we will work to lift the lid on that hope through action. To make it real, to help it spread sticking to principles, speaking the truth, never giving up,” Guterres said.

By Cecilia Ologunagba

NiMet forecasts sunshine, haziness for three days starting Thursday

Michael Simire
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NiMet forecasts sunshine, haziness for three days starting Thursday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecasted sunshine and haziness across the country from Thursday, January 16 to Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Hazy weather
Hazy weather

NiMet’s weather outlook, released on Wednesday, January 15, in Abuja, predicted that the northern regions would experience sunny skies in a hazy atmosphere throughout the forecast period.

NiMet also predicted moderate dust haze in the North Central regions, with horizontal visibility ranging from 2km to 5km during the forecast period.

The agency envisaged southern regions would likely experience a hazy atmosphere with patches of clouds, with early morning fog and mist expected along the coast.

“On Friday, sunny skies with hazy conditions are expected in the northern regions.

“Slight dust haze with good visibility is anticipated over the North Central regions, while the southern parts will continue to experience hazy conditions with early morning fog or mist along the coast.

“For Saturday, NiMet forecasts sunny skies in a hazy atmosphere over the northern and North Central regions.

“The southern regions will see hazy conditions with patches of clouds, along with the possibility of early morning thunderstorms over parts of Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Delta states.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected in Delta, Rivers, Cross River, and Bayelsa states,”it said.

NiMet urged the public to take precautions due to the suspension of dust particles in the air.

“People with respiratory issues, including asthma, are advised to be cautious.

“The agency also warned of strong winds potentially preceding thunderstorms in certain areas and advised the public to follow safety guidelines issued by relevant authorities.

”Airline operators are encouraged to obtain specific weather reports from NiMet for their operations.

“Residents are urged to stay informed through NiMet’s weather updates by visiting their website at www.nimet.gov.ng.”

By Gabriel Agbeja

AfDB launches pioneering energy-efficiency project in Senegal

Michael Simire
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AfDB launches pioneering energy-efficiency project in Senegal

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved an €8.51 million loan for Senegal’s “Programme to Promote Efficient Lighting Lamps” (PPLEEF), a trailblazing initiative to advance energy efficiency in the country. This marks the Bank’s first fully dedicated demand-side energy efficiency investment project, setting a new benchmark for sustainable development across Africa.

Dakar
Dakar, Senegal

The PPLEEF initiative is poised to transform energy usage in Senegal, benefiting nearly 700,000 households and 80,000 small businesses across Dakar, Thiès, and Diourbel regions. By replacing outdated incandescent bulbs with modern LED lighting, the project will deliver substantial energy savings, reduce electricity costs, and significantly cut carbon emissions. Central to the initiative is its innovative on-bill financing model, which enables consumers to repay the cost of the new lighting through monthly energy savings. This model ensures the program is both accessible and affordable for all participants.

Jalel Chabchoub, Chief Energy Efficiency Officer in the Renewable and Energy Efficiency Department at the African Development Bank, highlighted the broader significance of the initiative: “The PPLEEF is a milestone for Senegal’s national commitment to sustainable development and universal energy access. This programme will reduce energy demand and consumption during peak hours, and the on-bill financing approach will be used subsequently to introduce more efficient appliances. As the first phase of Senegal’s general lighting programme, PPLEEF will pave the way for a more sustainable energy future not only in Senegal but across Africa.”

Beyond its immediate benefits to Senegal, the PPLEEF is a replicable and scalable model for other African nations. By reducing energy consumption, the programme delays the need for costly investments in new power plants, particularly during periods of peak demand.

“This project will have a positive impact on household and small business budgets by reducing their energy bills,” said Mame Coumba Ndiaye, General Director of Senegal’s Agence pour l’Économie et la Maîtrise de l’Énergie (AEME). “It will relieve the grid with annual electricity savings of more than 189 GWh. These savings will be redirected to reinforce electricity availability and improve access for the population,” she stated.

From 2019 to 2024, the Bank committed approximately $6 billion to energy projects across Africa. 

With the launch of the PPLEEF and the momentum of the “Mission 300” initiative, jointly launched by the African Development Bank and the World Bank Group, alongside other partners, Africa is taking significant strides toward closing its energy access gap. These efforts underscore a growing commitment to sustainable development and energy equity across the continent.

Bird Flu: Enugu sensitises poultry farmers, dozens of chickens killed in Kano

Michael Simire
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Bird Flu: Enugu sensitises poultry farmers, dozens of chickens killed in Kano

Enugu State Government says it has intensified sensitisation of poultry farmers, traders
and the general public on the risks associated with the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), known as Bird Flu.

Bird Flu
Health workers culling chickens to address Bird Flu outbreak. Photo credit: REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

The government said the action was to educate stakeholders dealing directly on birds on the necessary prevention strategies of bird flu.

Mr. Patrick Nwabueze Ubru, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization made the disclosure in a statement on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, in Enugu.

According Ubru, the Enugu State Government wishes to alert the general public and relevant stakeholders about an outbreak bird flu which has been reported in Kano State.

He said the outbreak had affected various bird species, including layers, ducks, guinea fowl, and turkeys.

“Given the disease’s epidemiology and the current environmental conditions in Nigeria, there is a significant risk of the disease spreading to neighboring states and beyond, if adequate preventive measures are not taken.

“To mitigate this risk and safeguard the poultry industry as well as public health in Enugu State, the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation has directed its Veterinary personnel to increase the implementation of the preventive measures,” he said.

The Commissioner added that awareness, surveillance and monitoring teams had been deployed to closely monitor poultry farms and markets for any signs of HPAI.

He urged all residents to promptly report any unusual bird deaths or symptoms indicative of HPAI to the ministry or any other veterinary personnel available.

“It is the responsibility of the stakeholders to maintain strict biosecurity measures and report any suspicion.

“The Enugu State Government is committed to ensuring the safety of its residents and the sustainability of the poultry sector,” he said.

He, however, called for the cooperation from all stakeholders to essentially prevent the spread of HPAI and protect both human and animal health.

“For further inquiries or to report any suspicious cases, please contact the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation. We appreciate your vigilance and cooperation in this matter,” Ubru said.

In a related development, the Gwale Veterinary Clinic on Wednesday confirmed the outbreak of birds flu in Kano, which killed 32 birds in the area.

The officee in-charge of the clinic, Dr Abdullahi Gaya, made the confirmation in an interview with newsmen in Kano.

Gaya said the Index Case of the disease was first observed on December 7, when a young man brought dead guinea fowl to the clinic.

He said after a presumptive diagnosis of the dead bird, its sample was taken to the National Reference Laboratory in Jos where the disease was confirmed.

Gaya said the guinea fowl died alongside several other birds including chickens and ducks which cohabited at his backyard.

The veterinary doctor advised poultry keepers to always isolate birds newly bought from the market for at least two weeks before mixing them with others in their stocks.

He also advised them to always take their birds to the nearest veterinary clinic when they noticed any sickness among them.

Gaya also advised people to avoid touching dead animals so as to avoid getting infected by some diseases they might carry.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Yusuf, also confirmed the outbreak of the disease.

Yusuf told journalists that the outbreak started when a young man introduced a duck to his stock, leading to the death of 35 out of 50 birds.

He said the outbreak had prompted the state Ministry of Agriculture to take measures to contain its spread.

To prevent further spread, he said, the state Ministry of Agriculture had sealed the affected area, depopulated the remaining chickens and decontaminated the compound.

The commissioner said the Ministry had also decontaminated the premises where live birds are sold at the Janguza market and educated sellers on the effects of bird flu.

“While the situation is under control, residents, especially poultry rearers have been urged to immediately report any suspected case to the authorities,” he said.

By Alex Enebeli and Aminu Garko

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