Today’s Headlines: Nigeria, Uganda Collaborating to Contain Ebola — FG; Delta Union Mourns Uduaghan

The Federal Government announced that Nigeria was collaborating with Uganda to prevent the spread of Ebola following a reported case involving a Nigerian woman believed to have contracted the virus in the East African country. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja, explaining that health authorities had commenced contact tracing and introduced containment measures to prevent further infections.

Pate urged Nigerians to remain vigilant without panicking, assuring them that the country possessed capable public health institutions and experience from successfully containing Ebola in 2014. He said the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) had activated its incident management system to coordinate the response. The minister also warned against misinformation and promised regular updates as authorities continued monitoring the situation.

The Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide has mourned former Delta State Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing him as a compassionate leader whose people-oriented policies improved lives. Uduaghan died on Monday, October 19, 2026, aged 71. In a condolence message signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Kehinde Taiga, the union extended its sympathies to his wife, children, family, the Itsekiri Nation and the people of Delta State.

The union praised Uduaghan’s contributions to healthcare, transportation, education and economic development during his 2007–2015 administration. It highlighted free healthcare for pregnant women and children under five, the Uduaghan Buses mass transit scheme and his Delta Beyond Oil vision, which sought to diversify the state’s economy. The union urged Deltans to uphold unity and peaceful coexistence while supporting the bereaved family.

The Federal Government has estimated that 80 million Nigerian children are exposed to lead poisoning, warning of its serious and potentially lasting effects on health and development. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, disclosed this in Abuja during the 2026 International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. He identified children, pregnant women and women of childbearing age as particularly vulnerable, stressing that exposure could occur without immediate symptoms.

Salako inaugurated a five-year strategic plan to eliminate lead poisoning between 2026 and 2030, alongside efforts to strengthen surveillance, regulation and environmental monitoring. He urged states to develop targeted prevention strategies and warned against exposure through contaminated soil, unsafe water pipes, battery recycling, lead-based paints, toys, cosmetics and traditional remedies. He also recommended regular handwashing, cleaning children’s toys and play areas, using protective clothing and eating foods rich in calcium, iron and vitamin C to help reduce lead absorption.

The Borno State Police Command arrested six suspects over the theft of a mobile phone and the alleged withdrawal of ₦5.65 million from the owner’s bank account. The incident occurred on October 13, 2026, when Abba K. discovered that his Infinix Smart 8 phone was missing after travelling in a commercial tricycle along Damboa Road, Maiduguri. Police investigations involving digital forensic analysis and intelligence gathering led to the suspects’ arrest.

The police said the suspects allegedly confessed to stealing the phone and withdrawing the money, which they shared among themselves. The command confirmed that both the stolen phone and the entire ₦5.65 million had been recovered. Police spokesperson ASP Nahum Daso said the case would be charged to court after investigations were concluded, while urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

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