Atiku raised the concern in a post on X on Friday, describing the reports as disturbing and warning that worsening living costs were pushing vulnerable Nigerians towards desperate measures.

He said young Nigerians should be using their talents and ideas to build their futures rather than considering the sale of their body organs as a means of survival.

“Young people should be selling dreams, ideas and innovation, not their body organs,” Atiku said.

He attributed the reported trend to the severity of the cost-of-living crisis, arguing that unbearable economic conditions could make extreme measures appear to be viable options.

According to him, the rising cost of food, transportation, rent, school fees, medicine and electricity had made it increasingly difficult for many Nigerians to live with dignity.

Atiku claimed that some young Nigerians were reportedly being offered as much as N1.7 million for their kidneys, describing the situation as a reflection of the depth of economic desperation in the country.

He said young Nigerians should be focused on building careers, starting businesses, raising families and pursuing their aspirations rather than considering the sale of their organs.

Atiku acknowledged that Nigerian laws prohibit commercial organ sales and organ trafficking but argued that legislation alone would not address the poverty and desperation that make vulnerable people susceptible to exploitation.

He called for economic policies that prioritise the welfare of Nigerians, including access to affordable food, transportation, healthcare and decent employment.

“Economic reform must have a human face. It must mean affordable food, cheaper transportation, accessible healthcare, decent jobs and renewed hope for the next generation,” he said.

Atiku further criticised the Federal Government’s economic reforms, arguing that no reform should be considered successful if Nigerians are pushed into extreme measures to meet their basic needs.

His comments come amid recent reports and unverified claims concerning organ trafficking in parts of Nigeria, although the specific claims about people selling their kidneys for N1.7 million have not been independently established in the statement.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting in Abuja.

Pate said the proposed reform was designed to change the way the government responds to people who attempt suicide, particularly those experiencing mental health challenges.

According to him, suicide remains a major public health concern, with World Health Organisation data indicating that more than 7,000 people die by suicide annually in Nigeria, while about 300,000 suicide attempts are recorded each year.

He added that more than 450,000 Nigerians require psychosocial support annually as a result of the impact of suicide and related mental health challenges.

Pate said attempted suicide remains criminalised under colonial-era provisions, including Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 231 of the Penal Code.

He explained that the existing provisions were inconsistent with the National Mental Health Act 2021, which provides for care, protection and treatment for people at risk of self-harm.

The minister said the criminalisation of attempted suicide could discourage people experiencing psychological distress from seeking help.

“Attempting suicide is not a crime. If someone, because of mental health illness, attempts to harm themselves within the context of those colonial-era laws, you can arrest them and prosecute them for breaking the law,” Pate said.

He explained that the proposed amendment would shift the government’s approach from punishment to care and support for people experiencing mental health crises.

Pate said the amendment followed extensive consultations involving the Ministries of Health and Social Welfare and Justice, mental health advocates and a task force established following a resolution of the House of Representatives.

He said the Federal Executive Council had approved the proposed amendment, which would now be transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration and enactment.

The minister expressed optimism that the reform would encourage people at risk of suicide to seek help and contribute to reducing suicide attempts and deaths.

He said the government was targeting a 15 per cent reduction in suicide by 2030.

The proposed reform is part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen Nigeria’s mental health system and provide appropriate support for people experiencing psychological distress.

Obi disclosed this in a Facebook post on Sunday while recounting his visit to the institution on Saturday, August 15.

The former Anambra State governor said the donation was part of his continued support for the nursing institution, which he said had previously faced the risk of losing its accreditation due to the absence of a bus for students’ clinical placements.

According to him, his earlier intervention resulted in the provision of a school bus, helping the institution retain its accreditation and continue training nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Obi said he was pleased that the school had continued to contribute to the development of healthcare manpower in the country.

He said his latest donation would support the institution’s efforts to establish a skills laboratory, while reaffirming his commitment to supporting its management, staff and students.

Obi also encouraged the students to remain dedicated to their studies, describing nursing as a profession with significant opportunities in Nigeria and beyond.

He stressed the importance of investing in education and healthcare, describing both sectors as critical to national development and improving citizens’ quality of life.

“Every nation striving for sustainable development and an improved quality of life for its citizens must deliberately invest in two crucial sectors: education and healthcare,” Obi said.

He urged governments to give greater priority to the sectors and called on individuals and organisations to complement government efforts through targeted interventions.

The resolution was contained in a communiqué issued after the association’s Emergency National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting in Uyo on Friday.

The communiqué, signed by NAMDA President, Dr. Nosa Lancy Orhue, and Acting Secretary-General, Prof. Aniekan Peter, said the extension would provide the government with another opportunity to address the unresolved issues.

According to the association, failure to reach a satisfactory resolution by the deadline would trigger a three-day warning strike.

“A three-week timeline extension was adopted for a possible further consideration. E-NEC further resolved that the extension period should be utilised by government to resolve all outstanding issues.

“Failure to achieve meaningful resolution at the expiration of the period ending on August 31, 2026, shall result in the declaration of a three-day warning strike to be announced by the National Officers Committee (NOC),” the communiqué stated.

NAMDA also directed all its branches nationwide to organise at least two congresses and sensitisation programmes within the extension period to mobilise members ahead of the proposed industrial action.

The branches were instructed to submit reports and evidence of their mobilisation efforts to the association’s National Executive Council through the secretariat, indicating their level of preparedness for the strike.

The association expressed disappointment over what it described as the Federal Government’s reluctance to conclude negotiations on its demands.

It, however, commended the Department of State Services (DSS) and other stakeholders for their ongoing efforts to facilitate dialogue, while also appreciating members for their patience and commitment to maintaining stability in Nigeria’s university system.

NAMDA further lamented what it described as the government’s failure to prioritise medical education and training despite the shortage of medical and dental professionals and the increasing migration of healthcare workers abroad.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing the full implementation of all approved benefits for medical and dental lecturers and urged members to comply with all resolutions reached at the meeting.

The latest update comes just three days after the death toll surpassed 500, highlighting the rapid spread of the virus in the Central African country.

According to data compiled by the WHO from Congolese health authorities, the DRC has recorded 1,759 confirmed Ebola cases since the outbreak was declared in mid-May, including 600 confirmed deaths.

The outbreak has also spread beyond the DRC, with neighbouring Uganda reporting two deaths. Ugandan health authorities have confirmed 20 Ebola cases, with 17 patients having recovered.

The WHO said the outbreak in the DRC currently has a case fatality rate of about 34 per cent.

Health officials also disclosed that 285 patients have recovered, while 304 suspected cases are still under investigation.

Although four provinces in northeastern DRC have been affected, Ituri Province remains the epicentre of the outbreak.

The current outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or licensed treatments.

To improve treatment options, health authorities on July 2 launched a clinical trial to evaluate two potential therapies. The study is assessing the effectiveness of the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir, both individually and in combination.

Ebola is a highly infectious viral disease that spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons or contaminated materials.

The Democratic Republic of Congo declared its 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15 after several deaths were reported in the mineral-rich Ituri Province, a region that has long been plagued by armed conflict and insecurity.

Speaking in Abuja, the Team Lead for Epidemiology Surveillance in the Division of Global Health Protection at the U.S. CDC’s Global Health Centre, Banji Ipadeola, said the high fatality rate is largely due to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

According to him, Lassa fever remains a serious public health threat despite the availability of effective treatment when patients seek medical attention early.

Ipadeola explained that many Nigerians often mistake the disease’s early symptoms, such as fever, headache and body pains, for malaria or typhoid fever, leading to self medication and delays in receiving proper care.

He stressed that prompt testing and treatment significantly improve a patient’s chances of survival, urging individuals experiencing persistent symptoms to visit healthcare facilities without delay.

The epidemiologist noted that Lassa fever is commonly transmitted through contact with food, household items or surfaces contaminated by the urine or droppings of infected rodents.

He added that human to human transmission can also occur through contact with the blood, saliva, urine or other bodily fluids of infected persons, placing healthcare workers, caregivers and family members at increased risk.

Ipadeola identified widespread human exposure to rodents as a major factor contributing to the spread of the disease in Nigeria.

He urged communities to maintain clean environments, improve food storage practices and take steps to eliminate rodents from homes and surroundings as part of efforts to reduce transmission.

The health expert reiterated that early detection, timely treatment and improved hygiene remain critical in reducing deaths associated with Lassa fever across the country.

(NAN)

The case marks the first confirmed Ebola infection recorded on French soil and the first detected outside Africa during the current outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.

According to the French Health Ministry, the infected doctor was immediately isolated upon arrival in the country, even before laboratory tests officially confirmed the diagnosis.

Authorities said the patient had recently returned from the DRC, where health officials are battling the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak, declared on May 15 following a series of unexplained deaths in the eastern province of Ituri.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is closely monitoring developments, according to his office.

Health experts have noted that while the outbreak remains a concern, the overall risk of widespread international transmission is considered low due to Ebola’s relatively limited contagiousness compared to other infectious diseases.

The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which no approved vaccine or specific treatment is currently available.

French health authorities said they are continuing to monitor the situation and implement measures aimed at preventing further transmission.

AFP

Rev. Olamitoke is currently battling end-stage kidney failure. According to the diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev’d Dr. Akinwande Godwin Odubena, the priests has been on dialysis for several months, receiving support from the Diocese of Ijebu North and recently the Diocese of Lagos.

However, medical experts have advised that only a kidney transplant can fully restore his health and save his life.
The transplant surgery with post-operative care, and medications is estimated to cost between Thirty-Seven Million Naira (₦37,000,000) and Forty-Two Million Naira (₦42,000,000).

In an official letter addressed to ACNN, his lordship, the Bishop of Ijebu North, the diocese highlighted that Rev. Olamitoke has during the few years that he has served in the diocese made very impactful service reaching the lowly, counselling the broken-hearted, and faithfully proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Bishop recounted that at Rev. Olamitoke’s 40th birthday Thanksgiving service last year, the priest selflessly requested that all intended gifts and donations should be directed to the small church he pastors instead of himself — a rare demonstration of sacrifice.

Referencing the biblical injunction from James 5:14: “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.” the Bishop appeals to the entire Body of Christ:
To pray fervently for God’s healing hand upon Rev. Olamitoke and for divine wisdom for the medical team.

The Diocesan specially requests all and sundry to give sacrificially to a special public fundraising for the kidney transplant surgery for Rev’d. Olamitoke.

He equally asked that the appeal be shared widely within the body of Christ, family, friends, and networks to save the servant of God.

This is more than a medical need — it is a rescue mission for a dedicated servant of God. God heals, medicine still remains one of the instruments God uses to make healing available to His people. Therefore, let us rally round to contribute to making the kidney transplant possible for our dearly beloved priest.

Details of where to send your contributions to are right there on the screen.

Bank: First Bank
Account Number: 3101529993
Account Name: OLAMITOKE OLATUSI (OLAMITOKE OLATUSI OJO)

For more details, contact the Diocese of Ijebu North or His Biological Brother, Mr. Olafimihan Olamitoke
On: +234 805 572 9803

The directive was contained in a statement released by the commission on Monday after the consideration of a preliminary report on the May 12, 2026 incident involving EFCC personnel and medical staff of the teaching hospital.

According to the statement, Olukoyede expressed regret over the discomfort caused by the incident to hospital workers and members of the public.

“Pursuant to the receipt and consideration of a preliminary report on the May 12, 2026 incident involving personnel of the Commission and medical staff of the Uyo University Teaching Hospital, the Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has directed that an apology be made to Professor Eyo Ekpe, the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee of UUTH, and members of the Nigerian Medical Association,” the statement read.

The EFCC chairman reiterated that the wellbeing of Nigerians remains central to the commission’s mandate and assured that a full investigation into the matter would be conducted.

He added that any officer found culpable in the incident would face appropriate disciplinary action.

Olukoyede also stated that the commission would continue to engage relevant stakeholders to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Despite the controversy surrounding the incident, he maintained that the EFCC would not be distracted from carrying out its anti-corruption mandate across the country.

The chairman further appealed to the Nigerian Medical Association and other professional bodies to continue supporting the commission in its fight against corruption.

The Cable

The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Inyang Ekpenyong, disclosed this during an interview with Daily Trust, explaining that the individuals were discovered through ongoing contact tracing efforts by health officials.

According to her, the team carried out investigations at the workplace of the foreign national located in Akamkpa Local Government Area, which led to the identification of the affected persons.

She noted that the individuals have been placed under movement restrictions within their homes to prevent any possible spread of the virus.

“We have limited their movement to ensure they do not transmit the infection to others,” she said.

Dr. Ekpenyong also confirmed that the foreign national is currently receiving treatment at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and is responding positively.

She further reminded the public that COVID-19 has not been completely eradicated, despite the global decline in cases over the years.

Residents were advised to continue observing safety measures such as regular hand sanitisation, use of face masks, and adherence to health guidelines.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, had confirmed the reappearance of a COVID-19 case in the state, while assuring residents that necessary public health measures had already been activated to contain the situation.

He emphasized that the virus remains a global concern, noting that international travel continues to pose risks of transmission across borders.

“COVID-19 is a global issue, not limited to Nigeria, but we are taking all necessary steps to control its spread. There is no cause for panic,” he stated.