Author: Press Room

An Ikeja High Court has ordered government hospitals in Lagos State to stop demanding compulsory blood donations from women seeking antenatal and maternity services. Justice Raliat Adebiyi, in the judgment delivered on Monday, also restrained government hospitals in Lagos from demanding blood donations from spouses and other relations of pregnant women seeking antenatal and maternity services. The judgment was delivered following a fundamental human rights suit filed by the trustees of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project. It may be recalled that PUNCH HealthWise, on February 9, 2020, had reported the underhand activities attending blood donations and transfusion in Lagos…

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has returned to Calabar after a three-week annual leave, declaring that he is back with “renewed vigor and a double dose of energy” to accelerate the transformation of the state.  Addressing a crowd of supporters and government officials at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on his administration’s development blueprint, stating that the short break had recharged him for more excellent service.   “I thank God for His grace because the strength He has given me is immeasurable, unimaginable,” he said, adding that his government had a manifesto to…

By Onyedika AgbedoThe presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 elections, Adewole Adebayo, has said that Nigerians are ready to support a coalition of people with a clear ideology, not a coalition of politicians, in the 2027 election. Adebayo, who spoke in an interview, also stated that through his anti-people policies and programmes, President Bola Tinubu has created room for the easy defeat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the SDP in 2027. He said: “The people who are working hard for the SDP to come to power are members of the APC-led government because…

From Rauf Oyewole, Bauchi  Teachers and pupils of Alkaleri Central Primary School in Bauchi State are now struggling for space with traders who have taken over the school to transact on farm produce.  Established over 84 years ago, the school has slipped into place of selling of farm produce as the popular Alkaleri Sunday market holds within the fenceless premises and classrooms of the school.  The Guardian observed that farmers and traders convey their goods to the ‘market’ two days ahead of the market day and burgle the classes to keep their goods.  Also, buyers who cannot transport their goods immediately move them to…

The 2nd edition of the Ibadan Age Grade Swimming Championships has been scheduled to take place on Friday and Saturday, April 18 and 19, respectively. A total of 150 young swimmers are expected to converge at the University of Ibadan Swimming Pool during the Easter weekend, with the event starting by 9 am each day. The convener of the event, Oluwatimilehin Olaiya, told our correspondent that all was set for this year’s edition, which is expected to produce so many thrills and excitement for lovers of the sport. Olaiya said she was optimistic that the Ibadan Age Grade Swimming Championships…

By Adelowo AdebumitiThe Governing Council of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has developed a roadmap to unlock the full potential of the university by identifying untapped value across academic, financial, and infrastructural assets, setting the stage for rapid development. It also aimed to reposition the institution for sustained growth and global relevance. Besides, the university is also set to optimise its resources, including land, real estate, intellectual capital, and partnerships, while also exploring innovative funding models to enhance financial sustainability beyond traditional government allocations. These were the resolutions of the Council during a two-day retreat for deans and other principal…

The NLNG has launched an expanded Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Scheme aimed at providing financial support and building the capacity of local vendors and businesses within its host communities and gas transmission system areas. The NLNG said the initiative, which is in partnership with the Bank of Industry, will alleviate poverty, stimulate economic growth, and enhance sustainability by offering accessible loans at competitive interest rates. Speaking during the official launch of the scheme in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, the NLNG General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, emphasised that the scheme is structured to mitigate financial risks,…

Our Reporter Officials of the Federal Ministry of Health at the Port Health Services have been discovered to overcharge applicants who wish to obtain the Yellow Card. The Carte Jaune or Yellow Card is an international certificate of vaccination that is issued by the World Health Organisation. It is recognised internationally and may be required for entry to certain countries where there are increased health risks for travellers. Countries are also allowed to issue their Yellow Cards, which are tenable at ports of entries globally, in line with the WHO directives. It may be recalled that, in a circular dated…

By Oluwole Ige, Osogbo Ahead of the forthcoming 2026 gubernatorial poll in Osun, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun West Senatorial District, on Wednesday endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term in office. They attributed their resolve to back Adeleke for a second term to his laudable performance in providing responsive leadership at the governance level and delivering democratic dividends to the citizens of the state. Rising from the zonal meeting of the party hosted by the lawmaker representing Osun Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Lere Oyewumi, the party expressed optimism that with the support of…

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has announced that the ministry, in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority, has commenced a port modernisation program with Apapa and Tincan Island ports as pilot projects. Oyetola made this announcement in Lagos on Wednesday during the 3rd Maritime Transportation Industry Breakfast organised by the Nigerian Maritime Law Association. The event was themed, ‘Prospects for accelerated growth and other matters arising’. Represented at the event by the Director of Maritime Services of the ministry, Dr. Mercy Ilori, the minister added that the process would ensure the reconstruction of existing and dilapidated…