- 67,603 TB patients on treatment in nine states
- LASG plans a festival to showcase creativity
- Rema releases Sophomore Album ‘HEIS’ with 19 Tracks
We have highlighted the five most important developments in the news today, Thursday, July 11, and present them below.
5 issues in the news that should matter to you today
1. 67,603 TB patients on treatment in nine states: About 67,603 tuberculosis patients are currently on treatment in nine states as of March 31, 2024, according to Programme Manager, State Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control, Dr Ibrahim Umar. He listed Kano, Bauchi, Benue, FCT, Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Nasarawa and Katsina as the affected states.
According to Umar, Nigeria has the highest number of TB patients in Africa, with many undiagnosed and undetected patients. He said that there was a low awareness programme of the disease, in spite of the existence of free diagnosis and treatment programmes.
2. FEC directs SGF to implement varsity lecturers' removal from IPPIS: The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on July 10, mandated Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, to immediately implement the decision to remove university lecturers from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) platform.
According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, who provided updates on decisions of FEC on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956, the directive on the separation of the universities from the IPPIS platform was expected to address the long-standing issue between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the government.
3. LASG plans a festival to showcase creativity: The Lagos State Government has said the Afropolis festival will serve as an opportunity for youths to showcase their creativity and innovation.
The state Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, stated this on July 10, during a town hall meeting held at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan.
He said, “Afropolis is not just an event scheduled to be held between October 26 and November 3, 2024, it is also a celebration of rich cultural heritage, creativity and innovation. It is a platform where African creatives can come together to showcase their talents, exchange ideas and embark on ground-breaking projects.
“The festival is a testament to the diverse and dynamic spirit of our continent. Lagos, as the host city, is proud to be at the forefront of this cultural revolution.”
Also speaking at the event was the founder of Afropolis, Qudus Onikeku, who noted that the festival was being sponsored not only by the state government but also by CcHub and Wema Bank.
4. House of Reps Member, Olaide Akinremi, dies after brief illness: A member representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Olaide Akinremi is dead.
The House Spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, issued a statement on July 10. In it, Rotimi said the late lawmaker, 51, who was elected to the House on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), passed away in the morning of July 10 after a brief illness. Akinremi, until his death, was the Chairman of the House Committee on Science Research Institutions.
5. Rema releases Sophomore Album ‘HEIS’ with 19 Tracks: Nigerian singer Rema has released his highly anticipated second studio album, “HEIS”, on July 11, 2024. The album, featuring 19 tracks, marks a significant milestone in the young artist’s career following the success of his debut album.