ECOWAS establishes a technical advisory council to strengthen regional health security
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken a major step in strengthening health security across the region with the establishment of the Technical Advisory Council (TAC) for the ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control (RCSDC). This initiative aims to enhance disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, and coordinated response to public health threats in West Africa. Read more
Athena Commentary: It is quite welcoming that the ECOWAS is widening its horizons. The idea of having a Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control is a welcome development owing to the rising need to breach healthcare wants in the region. Quite interesting that apart from security issues, the regional leadership is coming together to address the shortfalls in healthcare management vis-a-vis manpower shortages to inadequate equipment and consumables. As highlighted by the technical committee, Nigerians and, indeed, people from the region are optimistic that this would work well and that the region would rise to stand her ground with her pairs from other regions in this regard.
Inflation drop: Experts demand lower interest rate
The NBS on Tuesday declared that Nigeria’s headline inflation dropped to 24.48 per cent in January 2025 following the rebasing of the Consumer Price Index. This represents a significant decline from the 34.80 per cent recorded in December 2024. Financial and economic analysts expect the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria to reduce the benchmark interest rates following the drop in the inflation rate released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Tuesday. The experts also called for a rejig of the country’s economic policies to meet the masses’ yearnings, stressing that though the new inflation rate is lower than the previous figure, the prices of commodities are still very high. Read more
Athena Commentary: From a significant decline of 34.80 percent recorded in December 2024 to 24.48 percent in January 2025 following the rebasing of the Consumer Price Index, what should Nigerians expect? Perhaps a continuous decline in papers or real terms? Would this decline, as seen by NBS, result in Increased purchasing power, Economic stability, Attract Investment, and most importantly, Reduced cost of living, amongst other pressing issues bedeviling the Nigerian’s day-to-day living?
UCH Blackout: Minister orders power restoration in more areas amid resident doctors’ strike
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has directed the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to restore power to more sections of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. The directive follows the commencement of an indefinite strike by the hospital’s resident doctors over the continued blackout in their residential areas. Read more
Athena Commentary: It’s quite pathetic that the only tool for bringing the government to a round table is strike action. With the 41.91% increase from the 2024 budget? Perhaps we may see changes when the 2025 budget starts running. Otherwise, the issues bedeviling the smooth running of the health sector will continue to linger. Manpower shortages, unavailability of equipment, security of Medical personnel, and now power outages. Too many issues to tackle at a time. It is, therefore, expected that there should be inter-ministerial collaboration; only in that way would we make substantial progress as a nation.
IGP Presents N2.9bn To Families Of Fallen Officers
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun has presented N2.99 billion in insurance benefits to 706 families of fallen police officers. Covering policy years 2020–2024, this marks the ninth phase of disbursement, bringing the total payout under his tenure to N20.84 billion for 7,171 families. Acknowledging the delays that have caused hardship, the IGP pledged continued improvements in welfare and insurance payments for officers. He also launched the Police Insurance Claim Management Portal to address a backlog of claims dating from 2010 to 2023. Read more
Athena Commentary: While the disbursement of insurance benefits is commendable, it highlights a deeper issue—the systemic delays in compensating the families of fallen officers. Many of these families struggle for years before receiving their entitlements, a failure that the newly launched claims portal must genuinely address. Beyond compensation, improving police welfare, ensuring timely payments, and tackling the broader challenges of policing in Nigeria should be prioritised. A well-supported force is essential for national security, and piecemeal interventions alone will not suffice.
Compiled by Kesiena Jaspar EVAGBERIEN
