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Nigeria Ranks High in Global Malnutrition Crisis, Says Tinubu’s Health Aide

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Nigeria has been ranked as the second worst-hit country by malnutrition globally, and the most affected in Africa, according to Uju Anwukah, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health.

This stark revelation was made during the National Summit on Nutrition and Food Security, currently taking place in Abuja.

Anwukah noted that Nigeria’s troubling position on the global malnutrition index is a wake-up call and a national emergency that requires urgent, coordinated action.

Speaking on behalf of the Presidency, she emphasized that malnutrition is no longer just a health issue but a critical development challenge.

According to her, it is a challenge affecting national productivity, education, and long-term economic growth.

The summit, which was convened by the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Nutrition, also featured strong remarks from the Committee Chairman, Hon. Chike Okafor.

Hon. Okafor outlined the massive financial cost of Nigeria’s continued battle with hunger and poor nutrition.

According to Okafor, malnutrition is costing the country an estimated $1.5 billion every year in lost economic productivity and health-related burdens.

Even more striking, Okafor cited data from Nutrition International and the World Bank estimating that the total cost of inaction on nutrition amounts to approximately 12.2% of Nigeria’s Gross National Income (GNI)—equivalent to a staggering $56 billion.

“This economic hemorrhage is unsustainable,” Okafor warned.

“The damage being done is not just to our present but to our future.”

A major contributor to this crisis, he explained, is post-harvest food loss, which the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) pegs at $2 billion annually in Nigeria.

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This alone surpasses the entire combined nutrition budgets of the Federal Ministries of Agriculture, Health, Education, and Women Affairs.

“It is simply unacceptable,” he said.

“We cannot afford to lose so much food when millions of Nigerians are going to bed hungry.”

In response to the growing crisis, the Presidency has launched the N-774 Nutrition Initiative, a grassroots-focused program aimed at addressing malnutrition in all 774 local government areas across the country.

Anwukah confirmed that the initiative has already been endorsed by the National Council on Food Security and the Nigerian Governors Forum, signaling nationwide support.

She said the N-774 initiative is built to strengthen coordination, localize interventions, and enhance accountability.

According to her, it is doing all of these while involving state and local governments more directly in the fight against malnutrition.

Meanwhile, Okafor emphasized the need for a new approach at both the federal and state levels.

His committee has begun implementing strategic capacity-building sessions designed to deepen lawmakers’ understanding of the complexities surrounding nutrition and food security.

“A wise man once said that if you’re not informed, you’re deformed,” he noted.

“Our goal is to ensure that lawmakers across all 36 states are well-equipped to ask the right questions and propose evidence-based solutions.”

To this end, the committee is working in collaboration with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies and development partners.

These also include UN agencies and NGOs, to institutionalize this capacity-building process.

“Our mission is clear: more funding for nutrition, and better results from every naira spent,” Okafor said.

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“It’s about ensuring not just more money for nutrition, but more nutrition from the money we already have.”

The summit continues to spotlight the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration.

It urges all stakeholders, from federal and state governments to international partners and the private sector, to treat food and nutrition security as a national development priority.

With millions of Nigerian children suffering from stunting, wasting, and other forms of malnutrition, the urgency is undeniable.

If Nigeria is to achieve its sustainable development goals and unlock the potential of its population, experts say nutrition must be placed at the center of the country’s policy and investment agenda.

 

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Africa

Why Every Nigerian Should Learn Combat Skills — CDS

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The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has urged all Nigerians to acquire combat skills such as Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo to protect themselves in the face of increasing danger.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday, August 21, General Musa likened learning martial arts to other essential survival skills, including driving and swimming.

“That one should be taken as learning driving, learning how to swim.

Whether we have war or not, it is a survival instinct,” he said.

He added that in Europe, swimming and basic security education are compulsory because citizens must understand and practice personal safety.

The defence chief emphasised that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) should incorporate unarmed combat training into its programme to prepare graduates for real-world threats.

He explained, “That’s what the NYSC is supposed to do, but the NYSC has been watered down to three weeks. Self-defence is very important.

Unarmed combat, swimming, driving these are critical aspects of human survival. We should never take them for granted because they prepare us for the future.”

General Musa further encouraged Nigerians to remain situationally aware of their environment, alerting authorities to any suspicious activities or individuals.

He said, “The world we are in now is dangerous. We have individuals who don’t mean people well. They kill for whatever reason.”

Highlighting evolving threats, General Musa disclosed that terrorists increasingly use gold to finance their operations.

He noted that complex international networks make it difficult to immediately expose or prosecute these financiers. “Gold is the main source.

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They circulate it through various channels, including foreign links, which complicates intervention,” he explained.

General Musa acknowledged that bad roads and challenging terrains hinder rapid military response to attacks.

He said, “Many Nigerians expect immediate intervention from the Armed Forces without understanding the logistical challenges. By the time information reaches us, terrorists have already struck and vanished because they move more quickly in these regions.”

He added that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the North-East further slow troop movement.

Regarding the Southeast, General Musa noted that the arrest of pro-Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa in Finland in November 2024 has improved security in the region.

He said, “Troops are actively pursuing Ekpa’s lieutenants in Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Abia states. We will continue operations until all threats are neutralised.”

The CDS also praised the synergy among the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Navy, which led to the arrest of Ansaru terrorist leaders, describing it as a major success in the fight against terrorism.

General Musa concluded by announcing an African Chiefs of Defence Staff conference to foster continental collaboration and enhance regional security efforts.

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Africa

‘Misplaced Priority’: Peter Obi Blasts FG’s ₦142bn Bus Terminal Project

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Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has slammed the Federal Government’s approval of ₦142 billion for the construction of bus terminals across Nigeria, describing it as a reckless misplacement of priorities.

Obi issued a statement on Friday, August 22, via his Official X formerly Twitter platform, warning that the project reflects poor leadership and lack of focus in managing Nigeria’s limited resources. He titled his statement, “₦142 Billion for Bus Terminals.”

According to him, the true test of leadership is how scarce resources are prioritized.

He stressed that investing such a huge amount in bus terminals while critical sectors like healthcare suffer shows a government that is out of touch with citizens’ realities.

Obi said: “The difference between success and failure in any nation is how leaders prioritise resources.

The decision to spend ₦142 billion on six bus terminals exposes a lack of competence and vision. It is a clear sign of poor leadership.”

The Federal Executive Council had recently approved the funds for the construction of one modern bus terminal in each of the six geopolitical zones.

The government described it as part of efforts to modernise transport infrastructure and improve mobility nationwide.

But Obi strongly disagreed. He compared the allocation to healthcare funding, pointing out that the combined budget for all teaching hospitals and federal psychiatric centres in Nigeria is less than ₦100 billion in the 2024 budget.

“This is disturbing,” Obi continued, “because health remains one of the most critical sectors of development. Yet it is underfunded and deteriorating rapidly.

The World Health Organization has reported that over 20 million Nigerians live with mental health conditions.

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This is a tragic irony. How can the government ignore this crisis and focus on bus terminals?”

He argued that the health sector, alongside education and poverty reduction programs, deserves priority attention.

Obi insisted that until government spending reflects the real needs of Nigerians, the country will remain trapped in poor governance.

Many Nigerians have also taken to social media to express anger, echoing Obi’s concerns. Critics argue that the decision proves the Federal Government is disconnected from the economic struggles of ordinary citizens.

For Obi, the ₦142 billion project is not just a case of wrong timing.

He sees it as a clear example of governance failure and misplaced priorities.

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Africa

Canada Announces Permanent Residence Lottery Results for Foreign Workers

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Canada ends visitor work permits policy

Canada has carried out a new Express Entry lottery, inviting thousands of skilled workers to apply for permanent residency.

Financial Express report that the Announcement which came on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, marks one of the most significant rounds this year.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 4,200 candidates in the latest Express Entry draw.

The invitations were sent under the no-program-specified category, which means candidates from all economic immigration programs were considered.

To qualify, candidates needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 507 points.

This cut-off is higher than several recent rounds, showing rising competition in Canada’s immigration pool.

Breakdown of Recent Express Entry Draws

The August 20 general draw came just a week after Canada held two smaller, targeted draws.

On August 14, 2025, IRCC issued 1,500 invitations in a Healthcare category-based draw, with a minimum CRS of 430.

On August 13, 2025, another STEM occupation draw invited 1,000 candidates, with a CRS cut-off of 481.

This means Canada has invited more than 6,700 candidates in August alone, highlighting its steady demand for skilled workers.

Why Express Entry Remains Key

The Express Entry system is Canada’s main pathway for skilled migration. It manages applications for three major programs:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Through this system, candidates are ranked by CRS points based on age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability. Higher scores improve the chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Impact of the Rising CRS

The 507-point cut-off has sparked concern among applicants.

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Many worry that higher thresholds make it harder to qualify unless they boost their profiles with stronger English or French test results, higher education, or Canadian job offers.

Immigration experts note that Canada is prioritizing candidates who are more likely to integrate quickly into the economy.

With rising competition, applicants may need to explore provincial nomination programs (PNPs), which can add up to 600 extra CRS points.

Canada’s Immigration Targets

Despite higher CRS cut-offs, Canada’s immigration outlook remains ambitious.

The government has pledged to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025.

Skilled workers make up a large share of this intake.

With labor shortages in sectors like healthcare, technology, and construction, Canada continues to use Express Entry to attract foreign talent.

What Applicants Should Do

Experts recommend that prospective migrants keep their profiles updated and monitor both general and category-based draws.

Targeted draws for healthcare, STEM, and trades occupations often have lower CRS cut-offs, giving candidates more opportunities.

For those struggling to meet the high CRS threshold, exploring study routes in Canada, provincial nominations, or job offers may increase chances.

The August 20 Express Entry draw shows Canada’s ongoing commitment to skilled immigration.

With over 4,200 invitations issued and CRS cut-offs climbing, the competition is intense.

However, the system continues to provide multiple entry points for determined applicants worldwide.

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Africa

Japan Designates City as Hometown for Nigerians

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The Japanese government has officially designated the city of Kisarazu as the hometown for Nigerians, marking a major step in strengthening cultural diplomacy and workforce collaboration between both nations.

The announcement was made during the ninth Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9) and confirmed by the Director of Information at Nigeria’s State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye.

According to the agreement, the Japanese government will introduce a special visa category for highly skilled and innovative young Nigerians who are willing to relocate to Kisarazu to live and work.

This initiative also extends to artisans and blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are ready to upskill and contribute to Japan’s economy.

At the same event, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) designated three other cities as hometowns for African nations:

Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture for Tanzania,

Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture for Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture for Mozambique.

These hometown designations aim to foster manpower development, cultural exchanges, and economic partnerships that will benefit both Japan and the participating African countries.

Nigeria-Japan Partnership

Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, received the certificate on behalf of Nigeria alongside Yoshikuni Watanabe, the Mayor of Kisarazu.

The ceremony highlighted the city’s longstanding relationship with Nigeria, as Kisarazu was the official host town for the Nigerian contingent during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where athletes trained and acclimatised before moving to the Olympic village.

Local Japanese authorities hope that designating Kisarazu as Nigerians’ hometown will boost the city’s population, enhance regional revitalisation, and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

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Japan’s Vision for Africa

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, in his address at TICAD9, announced $5.5 billion in new investments across Africa.

He stressed the importance of mutual understanding, local solutions, and collaborative development, focusing on three key areas:

Private sector-led sustainable growth,

Youth and women empowerment.

Prime Minister Ishiba also acknowledged Japan’s challenges with an ageing population and shrinking agricultural land, calling on African nations to support Japan while benefiting from expanded cultural and economic opportunities.

What This Means for Nigerians

For Nigerians, the recognition of Kisarazu as their official hometown in Japan provides more than symbolic value.

It creates new employment opportunities, encourages skills transfer, and opens a pathway for closer cultural integration between both nations.

This strategic move underscores Japan’s commitment to forging deeper ties with Africa, while offering Nigerians a platform to thrive abroad

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Africa

Kenyan Police Exhume Five More Bodies Linked to Starvation Cult

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At least five more bodies, including two children, have been exhumed in coastal Kenya in connection with the country’s most infamous starvation cult.

Police confirmed on Friday, August 22, 2025, that the discovery is linked to the “Shakahola Forest Massacre,” a tragedy that shocked the world in 2023.

The fresh graves were found near Binzaro village in Kilifi County’s Chakama area, according to Robert Kiinge of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

He revealed that officers had excavated at least 27 sites spread across a five-acre plot.

“We retrieved five bodies,” Kiinge confirmed.

He explained that most of the remains were in advanced stages of decomposition, suggesting they had been buried more than a year ago.

However, one of the victims may have been buried as recently as seven to eight months ago.

Tragically, two of the bodies were those of children, estimated to be between five and seven years old.

Kiinge added that the evidence strongly pointed to a link with the original Shakahola massacre, where more than 400 victims of a starvation cult were discovered in 2023.

The cult was led by self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie, who is currently on trial in Mombasa for multiple counts of manslaughter. Mackenzie has denied all charges, but his followers have continued to draw scrutiny from investigators.

So far, 11 people have been taken into custody in connection with the new graves.

Three of them, however, are being treated as victims rather than suspects.

“The people we have in custody today are followers of Mackenzie,” Kiinge told reporters, stressing that investigations remain ongoing.

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Post-mortem examinations are expected in the coming days to determine the exact cause of death.

Until then, police have avoided speculation.

The renewed discoveries come just weeks after a Mombasa court adjourned Mackenzie’s trial due to new evidence.

The case has reignited national debate about the regulation of fringe religious movements in Kenya.

Following the Shakahola tragedy, the Kenyan government introduced stricter oversight measures for religious organizations.

However, these proposals have been met with resistance from some groups, who argue that tighter controls infringe on constitutional protections separating church and state.

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