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WHO announces end of COVID-19 as a global health emergency
The WHO states that globally, 13.3 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered
After more than three years of declaring the COVID-19 outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an end to it. WHO’s Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, announced on Friday that COVID-19 no longer constitutes a PHEIC.
The decision was made by the WHO’s International Health Regulations Emergency Committee during its 15th meeting on COVID-19. While acknowledging the uncertainties posed by the potential evolution of the virus, the committee advised that it is time to transition to long-term management of the pandemic. The Director-General concurred with the advice and determined that COVID-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a PHEIC.
The global health body noted that the global risk assessment for COVID-19 remains high, but there is evidence of reducing risks to human health driven mainly by high population-level immunity from infection, vaccination, or both. Improved clinical case management and consistent virulence of currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sub-lineages compared to previously circulating Omicron sub-lineages have also contributed to a significant global decline in the weekly number of COVID-19-related deaths, hospitalizations, and admissions to intensive care units since the beginning of the pandemic.
The WHO also provided updates on the status of global vaccination, stating that globally, 13.3 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered, with 89% of health workers and 82% of adults over 60 years having completed the primary series.
The Director-General will convene an IHR Review Committee to advise on Standing Recommendations for the long-term management of the pandemic, taking into account the 2023-2025 COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan. During this transition, States Parties are advised to continue following the issued Temporary Recommendations. The WHO expressed its gratitude to the Committee for their engagement and advice during the last three years.
COVAX will continue to provide funded doses and delivery support throughout 2023 in line with demand. Although the PHEIC declaration has ended, the Director-General will continue to authorize the use of Emergency Use Listing (EUL) procedure. The termination of the PHEIC should not affect access to vaccines and diagnostics that have already received an EUL, and States Parties will still be able to access these vaccines and diagnostics (provided the manufacturers continue production).
News
Akwa Ibom APC Adopts Governor Umo Eno for Second Term Bid
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has thrown its weight behind Governor Umo Eno as its candidate for the 2027 governorship election, paving the way for his second-term ambition under the ruling party.
Governor Eno, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in 2025, formally submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms for the APC governorship primaries in early May 2026. He described the second term as necessary to complete ongoing projects and consolidate the gains of his ARISE Agenda.
Speaking after submitting the forms in Abuja, Governor Eno called on APC members to support his nomination during the primaries, expressing confidence that his administration’s developmental strides would earn him the party’s backing and the people’s mandate.
“I have just submitted the nomination form. We call on members of APC to support our nomination during the primaries, as we will continue to pray and trust God for more development to thrive in the state,” he said.
Several APC stakeholders and local government chapters in the state have already endorsed Governor Eno’s second-term bid, describing it as a move for continuity and project completion. The governor has repeatedly highlighted numerous ongoing infrastructure and developmental initiatives that require additional time to deliver maximum impact.
The development marks a significant political realignment in Akwa Ibom, as Eno positions the state under the APC platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
Party sources indicate that the APC leadership is working towards a smooth process for the governor’s emergence as the party’s flag bearer, though the formal primaries are yet to be held.
Governor Eno was first elected in 2023 under the PDP before switching to the APC.
News
Lagos Captures 6.4 Million Residents in Major Digital Identity Drive
The Lagos State Government has successfully registered over 6.4 million residents into its digital identity database, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to enhance governance, planning, and public service delivery.
The achievement was announced under the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) and the Lagos Identity Card Project (LAG ID). According to officials, the initiative aims to create a comprehensive, reliable database of residents to improve targeted service delivery, urban planning, and overall governance efficiency.
Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, who provided the update, described the Lagos Identity Card Project as a critical tool for the state’s digital transformation agenda. He emphasized that the captured data will support better resource allocation and more effective delivery of government services.
The exercise forms part of Lagos State’s broader push toward a digital economy, enabling smoother access to services such as healthcare, social welfare, transportation, and other citizen-centric programmes. Officials noted that the database will help in accurate planning for infrastructure and social interventions.
With Lagos being Nigeria’s most populous state, estimated to have over 20 million residents, the registration of 6.4 million people represents a substantial step forward, though authorities say efforts are ongoing to capture more residents.
The state government has reiterated its commitment to data-driven governance and urged residents yet to register to take advantage of the ongoing exercise for better inclusion in government services.
News
EFCC Invasion Forces Uni. Uyo Teaching Hospital to Suspend Operations (Video)
Operations at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) were dramatically disrupted on Wednesday after operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) allegedly invaded the facility, detained some management staff, and assaulted others, prompting the hospital to suspend services.
The Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Dr. Emem Bassey, told journalists that the unannounced raid created a hostile environment, forcing the hospital management to halt clinical services to ensure the safety of both staff and patients. The Accident and Emergency Unit, however, remains operational.
Dr. Bassey expressed disappointment over the incident, noting that the hospital had maintained cordial relations with the EFCC and was fully cooperating on the matter under investigation. He revealed that the requested report had already been prepared and was awaiting his signature when the operatives arrived.
“The use of force and detention of staff was unnecessary,” Dr. Bassey said. “Dialogue would have resolved this issue peacefully.”
Professor Eyo Ekpe, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council, who was reportedly among those assaulted, described the EFCC’s action as an “unprovoked invasion.” He claimed he had shown the team leader the completed report before the situation escalated into violence.
The hospital management has called for an independent investigation into the incident and urged the EFCC to use proper channels when engaging with public institutions.
In an earlier statement, the EFCC said its operatives were attacked and trapped inside the hospital while conducting an operation linked to an ongoing fraud investigation. The case reportedly involves a suspect accused of defrauding multiple microfinance banks in Akwa Ibom State.
The development has raised concerns about the impact on healthcare delivery in the region, with patients and staff caught in the middle of the confrontation between the anti-graft agency and the hospital.
As of Thursday, normal services at the hospital remained suspended pending further resolution.
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