Amaechi Links Mother’s Death to Rising Cost of Medicines Under Tinubu

Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has criticised the economic situation in Nigeria, saying the rising cost of medicines made it increasingly difficult for him to provide healthcare for his late mother.

Amaechi made the remarks during an interview while discussing the impact of the country’s economic difficulties on families and access to essential healthcare.

The former governor said his mother was in good health before President Bola Tinubu assumed office and rejected the suggestion that her death could simply be explained by her age.

“My mother was healthy!” Amaechi said during the interview, explaining that he had made efforts to ensure she received the care she needed.

He said the increasing price of medication became a significant challenge in providing that care, linking the difficulty to the broader rise in the cost of living under the current administration.

Amaechi’s mother, Mary Amaechi, died in July 2026 at the age of 89. Her family described her as a respected community and Christian leader. 

Using his personal experience to illustrate the wider economic situation, Amaechi argued that many Nigerian families are facing similar difficulties in paying for medicines and other basic healthcare needs.

He also questioned Nigeria’s continued dependence on imported pharmaceutical and other finished products, citing figures he attributed to the National Bureau of Statistics.

According to Amaechi, Nigeria spent about ₦200 billion importing drugs in the last quarter, while 40 per cent of finished goods were imported.

The figures could not be independently established from the NBS material located for this report, and are therefore presented as figures cited by Amaechi.

The issue of medicine affordability has remained part of Nigeria’s wider cost-of-living debate. Previous reporting has documented substantial increases in the prices of several commonly used medicines, while the Federal Government has introduced measures aimed at encouraging local pharmaceutical production and reducing dependence on imported healthcare products. 

The Federal Government has also said its healthcare reforms include efforts to expand local manufacturing and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported medicines, diagnostics and medical devices. 

Amaechi’s comments therefore place his personal experience with his mother’s healthcare within his broader criticism of the economic direction of the Tinubu administration.

I Wouldn’t Have Married My Wife If She Was SS or AS — Adekunle Gold on Genotype Compatibility

Adekunle Gold has spoken about genotype compatibility and the importance of awareness about sickle cell before marriage.

Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold has called for greater awareness about sickle cell and genotype compatibility, stressing the importance of knowing one’s genotype before marriage and having children.

The singer made the remarks while speaking on the One54 Africa Podcast, where he discussed sickle cell and the role of genotype compatibility in family planning.

Adekunle Gold expressed strong views about people living with sickle cell and the potential implications of having children, urging greater awareness of the condition.

“There is so much awareness that needs to be done. If you have sickle cells forget about love, you can’t do it because it makes no sense,” he said.

The singer said people should consider the possibility of having children affected by sickle cell when making decisions about marriage and starting a family.

He also disclosed that genotype compatibility was one of the first issues he and his wife, singer Simi, considered when they met.

According to him, the couple checked their genotypes and found that they were compatible.

“I wouldn’t have married my wife if she was SS. When we met the first thing we did was know our genotype and we match. So she is AA,” he said.

Adekunle Gold’s comments have drawn attention to the importance of genotype testing and conversations around sickle cell before marriage.

His remarks reflect his personal views and experience regarding marriage, genotype compatibility and the risk of sickle cell in families.

Peter Obi: Despite 13-Month Doctors’ Strike, No Mass Deaths Were Recorded in Anambra

 

Former Anambra State Governor and NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has defended his administration’s handling of a 13-month doctors’ strike during his tenure, saying the prolonged industrial action did not result in mass deaths in the state.

Obi made the claim while speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference in Rivers State, where he discussed the condition of Anambra’s healthcare system when he assumed office and the measures his administration took to improve it.

According to Obi, the state faced significant gaps in healthcare infrastructure at the time, including a lack of accredited schools of nursing and teaching hospitals.

“Doctors were on strike for 13 months and the only thing the doctors have never said is why they went on strike,” Obi said.

He recalled that when he became governor, Anambra had no accredited school of nursing, while the state university did not have a teaching hospital and some hospitals were not accredited.

“There was no single school of nursing accredited and university did not have a teaching hospital and hospitals were not accredited,” he said.

Obi said his administration initially invested in general hospitals but later changed its approach after encountering challenges with the system.

He explained that the government began working with agencies and church-owned institutions, providing funding to support healthcare delivery.

“So I decided after several months to deal with our doctors, so I put money in general hospital, then they transferred it somewhere else. Then I decided I’m going to work with the agencies, schools owned by the churches and I started funding them, then they started saying I’m supporting private sectors,” he said.

Defending his administration’s position during the dispute, Obi questioned the effect of the doctors’ prolonged absence on the state’s healthcare system.

“We had a disagreement. If the doctors were very effective, in 13 months there was no mass death, that means something is missing because after 13 months we are still alive and they were on strike,” he said.

The former governor maintained that the decisions taken by his administration eventually produced lasting improvements in Anambra’s healthcare sector.

He pointed to the growth in nursing education and the establishment of teaching hospitals as some of the outcomes of his approach.

“Go to Anambra State today, we have the highest numbers of schools of nursing, we have three teaching hospitals because of that decision I took,” Obi said.

Obi’s comments come as the 2027 presidential campaign gathers momentum, with candidates increasingly highlighting their records in public office as they seek to convince Nigerians of their capacity to govern.

PHOTOS: NDLEA Destroys Illicit Drugs Worth N301bn in Lagos, Warns Traffickers

 The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 329,865.585 kilogrammes of illicit drugs valued at an estimated N301.05 billion in Lagos.

The destruction exercise was carried out on Monday at Navy Town, Ojo, following an order of the Federal High Court in Lagos.

According to a statement issued by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, the destroyed drugs comprised substances seized in concluded cases that were not contested, as well as abandoned consignments recovered by the agency.

The Lagos Command accounted for the largest portion of the seized substances, with 246,864.535 kilogrammes recovered between April 2025 and May 2026.

The remaining 83,001.05 kilogrammes were seized by the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Tincan and Apapa Strategic Commands, Marine Command and a special operations unit operating in Lagos.

The substances destroyed included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis varieties such as Canadian Loud and skunk, ephedrine, tramadol, codeine syrup, other opioids and khat leaves.

Speaking during the exercise, NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa said the destruction demonstrated the government’s determination to prevent illicit drug networks from sustaining their operations.

Marwa warned that the consequences of drug trafficking went beyond the substances themselves, noting that the illegal trade affects families, communities, public health and national security.

He further linked the illicit drug trade to organised crime, terrorism and violent extremism, stressing that intercepting large consignments of drugs was therefore an important part of Nigeria’s broader security efforts.

The NDLEA chairman also warned drug traffickers against operating with a sense of impunity, as the agency continues to intensify efforts to disrupt the supply and distribution of illicit substances across the country.

The destruction of the drugs represents one of the agency’s major disposal exercises involving seized and abandoned narcotics in Lagos.

The NDLEA said its operations would continue as part of efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and protect communities from the consequences of illicit drug abuse and distribution.

Photo Credited: The Cable

Video: Family Seeks Medical Direction for Veteran Actor Taiwo Hassan Amid Cancer Battle

 

The daughters of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, have appealed for urgent medical assistance after revealing that their father is battling Stage 4 cancer.

The actor’s two daughters made the disclosure in separate video posts shared on social media, where they called on Nigerians and well-meaning individuals to help the family find qualified medical experts and advanced treatment options for their father.

According to the daughters, the family only became aware of their father’s health condition about four weeks ago.

They explained that their immediate concern is not financial assistance but finding the right medical direction, including reputable hospitals, cancer specialists and advanced treatment centres that can review his medical records and advise on possible treatment options.

The family is particularly seeking connections to oncology specialists and standard medical facilities in Nigeria or anywhere in the world where the actor’s case can receive proper medical attention.

The daughters appealed to anyone with useful contacts within the medical community to come forward and assist the family at this critical time.

They stressed that they are not currently asking members of the public for money, but are seeking access to the right medical professionals and facilities that can help them understand the available treatment options for the veteran actor.

Taiwo Hassan, popularly called Ogogo, is a respected figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry, particularly known for his longstanding contributions to Yoruba-language cinema.

The development has prompted calls from fans, colleagues and well-wishers for Nigerians to rally around the veteran actor and his family as they seek urgent medical guidance.

Anyone with credible information about reputable oncology centres, cancer specialists or advanced treatment facilities capable of reviewing his medical files and offering treatment options is urged to reach out to the family.

At this difficult moment, the family is appealing for medical connections, expert advice and every legitimate avenue that could give the veteran actor access to the best possible care.

Video: https://x.com/shemariahmedia/status/2089479328153083970?s=46

Photos: Lagos Officials Discover Makeshift Clinic Along Lagos-Badagry Expressway

Lagos State environmental enforcement officials have uncovered a makeshift clinic operating from a roadside shanty along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, where a patient was reportedly found receiving treatment.

The discovery was made around Barracks Bus Stop during a multi-agency enforcement operation targeting illegal structures and roadside shanties along the major highway.

The operation was carried out by the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos State Task Force and other enforcement agencies.

The team, led by the LAGESC Corps Marshal, Major Olaniyi O. Cole (rtd.), reportedly came across the improvised medical facility while clearing the area.

According to the information available, officials found a patient receiving treatment inside the makeshift facility, raising concerns over the operation of an apparent medical facility in an unapproved roadside structure.

The discovery forms part of the wider enforcement exercise aimed at removing illegal structures and shanties along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

The Lagos-Badagry corridor has witnessed several enforcement activities in recent times as authorities intensify efforts to clear illegal structures and improve safety and movement along the major highway.

Further details on the identity of the operator, the nature of treatment being administered and possible sanctions were not immediately available.

Photos:

Lagos Surpasses Global Exclusive Breastfeeding Target, Seeks Earlier Breastfeeding for Newborns

Lagos State says it has exceeded the global exclusive breastfeeding target while seeking to improve early breastfeeding initiation.

The Lagos State Government says it has exceeded the global target for exclusive breastfeeding, recording a rate of 57.4 per cent, while pledging renewed efforts to improve the number of babies breastfed within the first hour after birth.

The milestone was announced on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Lagos State Ministry of Health in Alausa as part of activities marking the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week.

Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, said the state’s exclusive breastfeeding rate now exceeds the World Health Organization’s benchmark of 50 per cent. However, she noted that only 14 per cent of newborns in Lagos are breastfed within the first hour of delivery, a figure the government hopes to significantly improve.

According to Ogunyemi, breastfeeding remains one of the most effective and affordable ways to improve child survival, reduce infant illnesses and ensure healthy development during the early stages of life.

She explained that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary feeding until the age of two, provides infants with the nutrients needed for healthy physical growth, brain development and stronger immunity.

“The importance of breastfeeding as a child survival strategy cannot be overemphasised. Breast milk is free, nutrient-rich, readily available and contributes to healthier children while strengthening the bond between mother and child,” she said.

This year’s World Breastfeeding Week is being observed under the theme “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” with global attention focused on expanding proven breastfeeding practices that improve maternal and child health.

Ogunyemi described the theme as particularly relevant given Nigeria’s current economic realities, noting that breastfeeding offers families a cost-effective and sustainable means of ensuring adequate nutrition for infants without relying heavily on expensive formula feeding.

She urged husbands, grandparents, employers, religious leaders, healthcare workers and community members to actively support nursing mothers, stressing that successful breastfeeding depends not only on mothers but also on the support system around them.

The Special Adviser disclosed that Lagos has continued to strengthen its Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) programme through regular training of healthcare workers, breastfeeding counselling, nutrition education and enforcement of regulations governing the marketing of breast-milk substitutes.

According to her, the programme is currently being implemented across all 334 Primary Health Centres, 29 secondary health facilities and the state’s tertiary healthcare institution, supported by an effective referral system.

She expressed concern over persistent misconceptions surrounding colostrum, the thick yellowish breast milk produced immediately after childbirth, explaining that many mothers still wrongly believe it should be discarded despite its proven health benefits.

Colostrum contains antibodies and nutrients that help protect newborns from infections during the first days of life and is widely regarded by health experts as a baby’s first natural vaccine.

To address the low rate of early breastfeeding initiation, Ogunyemi said the state is intensifying the training of midwives and healthcare professionals in both public and private hospitals to ensure mothers begin breastfeeding within the first hour after delivery.

Responding to questions from journalists, she also dismissed the widespread belief that mothers who undergo caesarean section deliveries cannot breastfeed immediately.

“A caesarean section is not a barrier to breastfeeding. Whether a mother delivers vaginally or through surgery, breastfeeding should begin as soon as possible, ideally within the first hour after birth,” she said.

Health experts say improving early initiation of breastfeeding remains critical to reducing neonatal deaths and strengthening child survival outcomes across Nigeria.

The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining breastfeeding awareness campaigns and expanding access to maternal nutrition services as part of broader efforts to improve public health indicators across the state.

Residents Raise Alarm as Overflowing Refuse Takes Over Gate–Ayobo Road in Alimosho

Residents of Gate–Ayobo in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State have called on the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to urgently evacuate heaps of refuse that have accumulated along a major road in the community.

The overflowing waste, which has remained unattended for days, has obstructed pedestrian movement, forcing residents to navigate through narrow spaces or walk dangerously close to moving vehicles while attempting to cross the road.

Residents who spoke with Shemariah Media described the situation as both a public health concern and a safety risk, warning that the refuse could encourage the spread of diseases if immediate action is not taken.

Some residents expressed frustration over the persistent accumulation of waste despite Lagos State’s efforts to improve environmental sanitation through LAWMA.

“The refuse has become too much. It is now difficult for people, especially school children, elderly residents and traders, to cross the road safely. Apart from the offensive odour, it is becoming an eyesore,” one resident said.

Others noted that the waste has also affected nearby businesses, with customers avoiding the area because of the unpleasant smell and unsanitary conditions.

Environmental experts have consistently warned that prolonged accumulation of refuse can attract rodents, flies and other disease-carrying pests while clogging drainage channels, increasing the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall.

Residents are now appealing to LAWMA and the Alimosho Local Government authorities to immediately clear the refuse and implement more regular waste collection in the area to prevent a recurrence.

They also urged members of the public to dispose of their waste properly and avoid indiscriminate dumping, stressing that maintaining a clean environment requires both effective government services and responsible community participation.

As of the time of filing this report, LAWMA had not issued an official statement regarding the condition of the refuse dump at Gate–Ayobo.

Video link: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS4AhdPu8/