From the latest political developments and government policies to breaking news from the metro, key updates from the health sector, exciting happenings in entertainment, and the latest results and headlines from the world of sports, we have gathered the stories you need to know at this time.
1. APC scribe, Sowore clash over Aso Villa campaign inauguration plan
The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Ajibola Basiru, and the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, have exchanged words after the APC chieftain described the activist as a “skit maker” and “comedian”.
The exchange followed the AAC’s request to inaugurate its presidential campaign council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, prompting Basiru to question Sowore’s political relevance.
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2. No licensed treatment for Ebola strain, says minister
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, has said there is no licensed specific treatment or vaccine for the Ebola virus variant involved in Nigeria’s current outbreak, adding that the infected patient is receiving supportive medical care.
Pate disclosed this during an interview with Arise Television on Wednesday, explaining that while researchers were exploring potential treatments, the patient’s body was also fighting the infection through its immune response.
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3. Why latest Ebola strain has no approved vaccine — Africa CDC
The Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr Jean Kaseya, has blamed the lack of international interest in the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola for the absence of an approved vaccine, saying the situation might have been different if the disease were affecting Western countries.
“If this outbreak was in Western countries, a vaccine would already be available,” Kaseya said during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday.
He argued that the strain had received less attention partly because it had caused fewer outbreaks than the Zaire strain, which has been responsible for more than 16 outbreaks.
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4. Eight rescued as search continues for missing boat passengers in Rivers
Rescue efforts to recover the bodies of persons who drowned in a boat mishap along the Robertkiri waterways in Kula, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State have intensified on Thursday.
Recall that about ten persons were feared dead when a tugboat and a speedboat carrying over 15 persons from the community collided on Tuesday evening.
It was gathered that the tugboat, manned by some security personnel, attempted to pull out a 200,000-barrel capacity oil vessel operated by a firm, ‘Ibeto Group ’, which had been operating in the area before the incident occurred.
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5. Broda Shaggi recounts survival after stray bullet injury
Nollywood actor and comedian Samuel Perry, popularly known as Broda Shaggi, has recounted how a stray bullet injury kept him away from work for months, leaving him uncertain about his future in entertainment and afraid that fans might forget him.
In a YouTube video uploaded on Wednesday night, the comedian narrated his experience, confirming PUNCH Online’s earlier exclusive report of the incident.
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6. Liverpool release biography honouring late Jota
Liverpool Football Club have released a new biography honouring the life and legacy of former forward Diogo Jota, with profits from the book set to fund a grassroots football programme established in his name through the LFC Foundation.
In a post obtained from the club’s X handle on Thursday, titled Forever in Our Hearts, the book was written by Portuguese author and former professional footballer José Delgado and published by Reach Sport.
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