- Tinubu okays N108b for states to tackle flooding, erosion
- FG warns of imminent surge in Lassa fever
- Ghana raises cocoa price by 45%
We have highlighted the five most important developments in the news today, Thursday, September 12, and present them below.
5 issues in the news that should matter to you today
1. Tinubu okays N108b for states to tackle flooding, erosion: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved N108 billion for the states to combat natural disasters. Each state is entitled to N3 billion.
This announcement came on the heels of massive flooding ravaging states in the North.
2. FG launches real estate fund for affordable mortgage financing: The Federal Government has taken a step towards addressing the country’s housing deficit by launching the Ministry of Finance Incorporated Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF).
This initiative is set to revolutionise the housing sector by providing low-cost mortgage financing options for eligible Nigerians.
3. FG warns of imminent surge in Lassa fever: The Federal Government has warned of an impending surge in cases of Lassa fever in the country.
Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr Jide Idris, warned at a news conference in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, on September 11. He said that although the country had experienced a decline in cases of various diseases, it is approaching the Lassa fever season, which typically occurs annually.
4. UK court jails Nigerian nurse for leaving her 10-week-old baby to die: A Nigerian working as a nurse in the United Kingdom, Ruth Auta, has been sentenced to three years in prison for neglecting her ten-week-old baby, Joshua Akerele, who died while she was at work.
The 28-year-old single mother had reportedly left Joshua alone in her nurse’s accommodation for eight hours on December 20, 2022, to complete her shift.
5. Ghana raises cocoa price by 45%: Ghana’s government on September 11 announced a 45-per cent increase in the producer price of cocoa for the 2024/2025 crop season to curb smuggling.
The policy is also designed to improve the welfare of cocoa farmers as the new season begins, said Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong. The new price, effective from Wednesday, raises the payment for a 64-kg bag of cocoa beans to $192, up from $132.