By Nahum Sule, Jalingo

‎‎The Association of Civil Society Organizations in Malaria Control, Immunization, and Nutrition (ACOMIN) conducted its monthly Stakeholders’ Advocacy Visit in Taraba State on Monday, March 17, 2025.
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‎The visit, an activity under the Community-Led Monitoring Project for AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (CLM-ATM), the community component of the Global Fund GC7 Grant was conducted by ACOMIN’S State Advocacy Team (SAT).
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‎The project aims to empower communities to identify and address issues related to the quality of ATM services, community accountability, commodity utilization, and community engagement.
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‎The team conducted four advocacy meetings with the: Logistics Management and Coordinating Unit (LMCU), State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP), Society for Family Health (SFH) and Management Sciences for Health (MSH).
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‎The advocacy team led by ACOMIN’s State Chair for Taraba State, Alhaji Muhammad T. Danburam, accompanied by the State Program Officer, representatives from two Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and a Media Correspondent advocated for: the restocking of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) and Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) in two health facilities in Kurmi and Donga LGAs, where shortages have been reported, ensure broader coverage of the upcoming Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITN) mass distribution campaign, particularly for underserved communities in Bali and Takum LGAs.
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‎The team highlighted gaps in the malaria supply chain, emphasizing that these shortages have increased the financial burden on patients, many of whom are already economically disadvantaged.
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‎In their response, the stakeholders appreciated ACOMIN’s continuous efforts in sharing community findings and encouraged the organization to sustain its engagement.
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‎Regarding the stockouts of ACTs and RDTs, as well as the lack of ITN coverage in some communities, the stakeholders committed to addressing these issues in the next distribution cycle.

Operatives of the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have arrested popular TikTok influencer, Murja Ibrahim Kunya, for allegedly abusing and mutilating the Naira.

Specifically, Kunya was arrested for allegedly spraying Naira notes for fun during her stay in a hotel room at Tahir Guest Palace in Kano. The arrest followed her diligent pursuit by EFCC operatives after she jumped an administrative bail granted her by the Commission over one month ago.

She was initially arrested in January 2025 for violating the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, Act which prohibits the abuse and mutilation of the Naira. She was granted an administrative bail by the Commission pending her arraignment before the Federal High Court in Kano. However, when it was time for her court appearance, Kunya absconded, evading the legal processes

However, after weeks of intensive investigation and surveillance, EFCC operatives successfully re-arrested the TikTok Influencer on Sunday March 16, 2025. She was subsequently conveyed to the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Commission, where she is currently in custody awaiting her arraignment.

The EFCC reiterates its commitment to enforcing laws protecting the integrity of the Nigerian currency and warned against acts of abuse including spraying, stamping, or mutilating the currency during social events.

Nigeria is set to host the 7th African Spelling Bee (ASB) from April 9 to 13, marking the first time the prestigious competition will be held in a West African nation.

National Coordinator of the Nigeria Spelling Bee, Mr Abdulsalam Ibrahim, announced this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

Established in 2016, the ASB has previously been hosted by South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and Malawi.

The Nigeria Spelling Bee, operating under the Bee Spelling Competition Initiative, serves as the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for this year’s event.

Endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Education, the organisation conducts spelling competitions across all Nigerian states and represents the country in international contests, including the ASB.

According to Ibrahim, the African Spelling Bee was founded with the vision of celebrating the African child, inspiring literacy, and creating a platform for connection and confidence-building among young learners.

He stated that the competition aims to enhance literacy and academic excellence while cultivating a strong reading culture.

The national coordinator noted that the competition also seeks to develop self-esteem and interpersonal skills while building human capital through capacity development.

He said it also aims to promote community-based partnerships and celebrate the cultural diversity and unity of African children.

He noted that this year’s event will bring together the top National Spelling Bee Champions from over 20 African countries.

They include; Benin, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

“The ASB embodies the spirit of Pan-Africanism by uniting young people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate linguistic prowess and cultural heritage.

“Through spelling competitions, African general knowledge quizzes, and cultural exchanges, the event fosters unity and mutual respect among participants, nurturing a generation poised to lead and transform the continent”.

Ibrahim highlighted Nigeria’s strong track record in the ASB, having secured multiple championship titles in previous editions.

He also noted that Nigerian spellers are preparing to defend the Senior Championship title won by Praises Minabowa in the last African Spelling Bee, reflecting the nation’s commitment to educational excellence and youth development.

“The upcoming event in Abuja is expected to be the largest yet, with more than 20 African countries anticipated to participate, each presenting their top six champions vying for the coveted title of African Spelling Bee Champion in both the senior and junior categories.

“Beyond being a competition, the event will be a celebration of Africa’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage, reflecting the continent’s dedication to fostering education, unity, and excellence among its youth,” Ibrahim said. (NAN)