Category: Special Reports
Diphtheria Outbreaks and Government’s Negligence
In this Special Report Juliet Jacob delves into the nation’s public health underbelly to unearth some scandals around the spread of a silent killer called Diphtheria. A Public Health Scandal in Plain Sight Despite surging diphtheria infections and fatalities, the Nigerian government’s response has been sluggish at best. Poor vaccine logistics, underfunded health centres,…
Cardinal Peter Turkson: The Possibilities of African Succeeding Pope Francis as Race Hots Up
The race for who becomes the next Pope following the demise of Pope Francis on Monday has begun. African Cardinal Peter Turkson is among the contenders. A Black pope would be unprecedented. But with obstacles can this be possible? African Catholics could comprise nearly one-third of the global Church, yet the top echelons of ecclesiastical…
Plateau, Benue Blood Tears and Sorrow: N214bn on Security Spending, Nigeria Communities Still Bleed, Lives Lost
*Peace Remains Elusive In 2025 alone, 35 Nigerian states collectively allocated a staggering N214 billion toward improving security funding local security outfits, purchasing arms, and setting up defence initiatives. The aim, according to data from Open States, was clear: end the rising tide of violence across the country. Yet, insecurity has persisted. From 2019 to…
Nigeria’s Health Insurance System in the Public Eye
In this special report, Hussaini Kafi in Kano highlights the real reasons why Nigeria’s Health Insurance system continuous receiving public knocks and lose of trust, while assessing the challenges and prospects awaiting the body. When 48-year-old Adamu Garba from Kano State suffered a stroke in late 2023, his family had to sell their only motorcycle…
Maternal and Newborn Mortality in Africa: Progress and Challenges
Korede Abdullah in Lagos The African region has made progress in reducing maternal mortality since 2000, with a 40% decline from 727 to 442 deaths per 100,000 live births between 2000 and 2023. However, the region still accounts for 70% of global maternal deaths, with an estimated 178,000 mothers and 1 million newborns dying each…
Loan Apps in Nigeria – A Lifeline or a Debt Trap?
In Nigeria, a nation grappling with severe economic challenges, loan apps have become a go-to solution for millions seeking to navigate financial hardship. With over 100 million Nigerians living below the poverty line, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, and inflation rates reaching 34.2%, as reported by Trading Economics, many citizens face daily struggles…
In Tinubu’s Presidency Is Silence a Golden Rule?
The quiet posture of the members of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet and other top officials in his government is not golden. The federal ministers overseeing various ministries and department as well as agencies owe the citizens a responsibility to explain the administration’s policies and centerpiece, not only when the people ask for it. Free and…
Trump’s Tariff War and Global Economy Future
To boost production, domestic market, lessen foreign dependence, come out on top against economic rivals, Trump’s ‘America First’ policies play key role in global trade, as he leverages tariffs as bargaining chip to make other fall in line President Donald Trump triggered a global trade war in a bid to bring production back to the…
Eid Ceremonies: How Soaring Prices and Insecurity Dimmed Nigeria’s 2025 Salah Festivities
Juliet Jacob and Rabiu Sultan Aderinsola went to the streets in Abuja and captured the mood of Muslim faithful celebrating the recent Eid-el-Fitr. Some shared how they coped with the current economic hardship in the country. As millions of Muslims across Nigeria marked the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, the usual joy, color, and communal exuberance that…