Metro
Anthrax Outbreak: VCN Warns of Veterinarian Shortage, Urges Government Action

The Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) has sounded the alarm over a critical shortage of veterinarians, warning that the country lacks the manpower needed to contain the spread of anthrax and other livestock diseases.
The council is calling on the government to immediately recruit more veterinary professionals to prevent future outbreaks and protect public health.
This warning is coming against the backdrop of the recent confirmation by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development of an anthrax outbreak on a farm in Zamfara State, prompting urgent calls for vigilance and preventive measures.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday at the conclusion of the 2025 VCN staff retreat, VCN Acting Registrar, Oladotun Fadipe, stressed that every local government in Nigeria needs at least two veterinarians to effectively manage animal health crises.
“Many states have only a handful of veterinarians, making it impossible to properly monitor and control livestock diseases. If we continue like this, outbreaks will become a recurring nightmare,” Fadipe warned.
He criticized the underutilization of trained veterinarians, revealing that while many professionals are available, they remain unemployed due to a lack of government action.
“If veterinarians were strategically positioned in the system, they could detect disease outbreaks before they even happen. Right now, we are constantly playing catch-up,” he added.
At the retreat, President of Farm Alert, Dr. Femi Kayode, emphasized the need for modernization in veterinary practice.
He called for the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital tools to improve surveillance, diagnosis, and response strategies.
“We must rethink our approach to veterinary medicine. By leveraging technology and strengthening work ethics, we can boost efficiency and productivity, even in challenging times,” Femi noted.
He stressed that livestock health is directly linked to human health, making it imperative to invest in veterinary services as a national priority.
Deputy Registrar of VCN, Dr. Helen Oputa, highlighted the importance of staff motivation and workplace efficiency. She stated that the retreat aimed to equip VCN personnel with the right mindset and tools to tackle the country’s growing animal health challenges.
“We are already seeing results. Our staff are more committed, and we hope this renewed energy will translate into better service delivery nationwide,” she said.
The Veterinary Council of Nigeria is urging the government to act swiftly by, recruiting more veterinarians to cover all 774 local government areas, Investing in veterinary infrastructure to improve disease surveillance and response and incorporating modern technology in veterinary training and practice.
With livestock diseases threatening food security and public health, experts agree that Nigeria can no longer afford to neglect veterinary services.
If urgent steps aren’t taken, the next outbreak could be even worse.
Metro
Northern Senators Demand Action After School Fire Claims Young Lives in Zamfara

The Northern Senators Forum has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic fire that swept through an Islamic school in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, claiming the lives of several young students.
Describing the incident as a heartbreaking loss, the forum extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the wider Zamfara community.
In a statement signed by Sen. Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, the lawmakers not only mourned the victims but also called for immediate and decisive action to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
“This is a devastating loss that touches every heart in our region,” the statement read. “We stand with the people of Zamfara in this time of grief and urge the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of this fire.”
Beyond the immediate mourning, the Northern Senators Forum stressed the need for systemic changes in how schools are regulated and managed.
The senators urged state Ministries of Education to implement strict supervision and accreditation processes to ensure all educational institutions meet basic safety standards.
“This tragedy must serve as a wake-up call,” Sen. Yar’adua stated. “No school should operate without adhering to stringent safety guidelines. The lives of our children depend on it.”
The Forum also called on the Zamfara State Government to step up support for the affected families, recommending not only financial compensation but also counseling services to help them cope with the loss.
“As we mourn, we pray that Almighty Allah grants eternal rest to the souls of the departed and gives their families the strength to bear this painful loss,” the statement continued. “But prayers alone are not enough—we must ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.”
The Forum assured the public that it remains committed to pushing for legislative reforms aimed at safeguarding Nigerian schools. “We will continue to monitor this situation closely and work towards strengthening policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of our children. It is our responsibility to create an environment where students can learn without fear.”
The Kaura Namoda fire has reignited national conversations about the safety conditions of schools, particularly in northern Nigeria, where infrastructural challenges and regulatory gaps often leave institutions vulnerable to disasters.
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes will be on both the Zamfara State Government and the Federal Ministry of Education to implement the necessary reforms to prevent future tragedies.
Metro
A Glimpse into the Past: Davido, His Father Adeleke, and Aliko Dangote

A rare throwback photo captures Nigerian music superstar Davido at just six years old, standing alongside his father, Tajudeen Adedeji Adeleke, and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote. The image is more than a simple family moment—it represents a convergence of three influential figures, each leaving a mark in their respective industries.

Singer Davido, his father Adeleke and billionaire Dangote. Davido was six years old.
Aliko Dangote, at the time, was steadily building what would become the Dangote Group, one of Africa’s largest conglomerates. Today, the Dangote Group operates across Benin, Ghana, Zambia, and Togo, with interests spanning cement, sugar, salt, and flour production. Perhaps its most ambitious project is the Dangote Oil Refinery, a 650,000 barrels-per-day facility poised to be the seventh-largest oil refinery in the world, expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined petroleum.
Tajudeen Adedeji Adeleke, Davido’s father, has been a towering figure in Nigerian business as the founder of Pacific Holdings Ltd., which expanded into sectors like agriculture (Pacific Farms, Inc.), logistics (Pacific Freightliners Ltd.), energy (Pacific Gas Co. Ltd.), and banking (Pacific Bank Ltd.). He also served as a Director at Unity Bank Plc from 2006 to 2010, contributing to the financial sector’s development during his tenure.
Meanwhile, Davido, born into privilege, carved his own path in the entertainment industry. Today, he’s recognized as one of Africa’s biggest music stars, with international hits and multiple awards to his name. Despite his family’s business legacy, Davido’s success in music showcases his determination to create his own identity.
This photo serves as a powerful reminder that success is often born from persistence, vision, and the courage to follow one’s path. As the famous saying goes:
“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
Metro
FG Endorses NEV Electric’s Breakthrough in Nigeria’s EV Sector

***Minister Wale Edun Hails Local Innovation in Sustainable Transport
The Federal Government has commended NEV Electric, an indigenous electric vehicle (EV) company under Brilliant Model Technology, for its groundbreaking efforts in developing affordable and eco-friendly transportation solutions in Nigeria.
During a test ride of NEV Electric’s buses, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, lauded the company’s contributions to sustainable mass transit, emphasizing that its innovations align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for a cleaner and more efficient transportation system.
Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga in a statement quoted Minister Edun thus,
“NEV Electric’s initiative is a game-changer for Nigeria’s transport sector. It not only addresses environmental concerns but also creates jobs, enhances energy security, and boosts economic growth,” Edun stated.
The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting local innovation and private-sector partnerships that drive the transition to clean energy solutions.
As Nigeria tackles urban mobility challenges, the government’s endorsement of NEV Electric signals a major shift towards reducing carbon emissions, improving transportation efficiency, and fostering economic development.
This move is expected to accelerate Nigeria’s journey towards a sustainable and technologically advanced transport system.
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