profile/5683FB_IMG_16533107021641748.jpg

News_Naija

Gates Foundation Pledges $1.6bn To Gavi For Lifesaving Vaccines

The Gates Foundation has announced a commitment of $1.6bn over the next five years to support Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, one of the most effective mechanisms for delivering lifesaving vaccines to children and preventing disease in the world’s most vulnerable communities. This was disclosed on the foundation’s website on Tuesday. “For the first time in decades, the number of kids dying around the world will likely go up this year instead of down because of massive cuts to foreign aid. That is a tragedy,” warned Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation. “Fully funding Gavi is the single most powerful step we can take to stop it.” The foundation’s renewed support comes amid a global crisis. It said international development programmes have been severely impacted by declining budgets and shifting political priorities. It noted that after years of stagnation, foreign assistance plummeted this year, putting at risk the hard-won progress in child survival and public health made over the last 25 years. “The legacy of our generation cannot be that we looked away as millions of poor children died of preventable causes. The world now has affordable, effective, proven tools that save lives. Wealthy nations should fully fund Gavi and the Global Fund, the organisations created to get those products to the people who need them,” said Gates. The announcement precedes the Global Summit: Health & Prosperity through Immunisation, a pledging event for Gavi taking place on June 25 in Brussels, co-hosted by the European Union and the Gates Foundation. At the summit, Gates will join global leaders, many of whom are expected to announce new commitments to Gavi’s mission. It emphasised that early donor pledges to Gavi reflect broad support for immunisation as a high-impact investment, as well as confidence in multilateral collaboration to accelerate progress on global health. Since its launch 25 years ago, with initial support from the Gates Foundation and a group of founding partners, Gavi has helped cut child mortality in half. It has vaccinated more than 1.1 billion children across 78 low-income countries, preventing nearly 19 million deaths from diseases like measles, pneumonia, and diarrhoea. “Despite that progress, one in five children still lack access to essential vaccines, and outbreaks of preventable diseases—including measles and meningitis—are increasing, threatening to reverse decades of gains. “Gavi’s co-financing model emphasises country ownership and long-term sustainability. As partner countries’ economies grow, they contribute more to their vaccine programs and eventually transition to self-financing. Since 2000, 19 countries have successfully graduated from Gavi support,” it added. “Gavi’s model is unique in how it supports countries to build strong, self-sustaining immunisation systems. “Indonesia’s journey from a Gavi-supported country to a donor is a testament to what’s possible through true partnership,” said Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Minister of Health, Indonesia. Since 2000, the Gates Foundation has committed more than $30.6bn to advance vaccines—investing in their discovery, development, and distribution. Of this, $7.7bn has been directed to Gavi, making it the foundation’s largest grantee. “Today’s renewed commitment to Gavi comes on the heels of the foundation’s 25th anniversary announcement that it will spend $200bn over the next 20 years to accelerate its mission to help all people live healthy, productive lives. “During this time, the foundation will work together with its partners to make as much progress as possible towards three primary goals: Ending preventable deaths of mothers and babies; preventing deadly infectious diseases in the next generation; lifting millions out of poverty by expanding opportunities “Additional areas of focus for the foundation’s work continue to be helping U.S. students have pathways to opportunity; strengthening digital public infrastructure; applying new uses of artificial intelligence in health, education, and agriculture; and advancing gender equality to help women access education, health care, and financial services,” it added.

profile/5683FB_IMG_16533107021641748.jpg

News_Naija

World Drug Day: Tinubu Urges Collective Action Against Drug Abuse

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday called for an all-out campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Tinubu said such a campaign should evolve into a national movement, emphasising that only a holistic and inclusive approach can successfully tackle the scourge. “To effectively tackle this problem, our approach must be comprehensive,” Tinubu declared in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at the grand finale of the 2025 World Drug Day commemoration at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja. “We must foster peace. We must promote inclusive development. And we must uphold human rights every step of the way,” he said, highlighting the need to address the root causes of drug abuse such as poverty, inequality, and conflict. Tinubu argued that combating substance abuse and trafficking is not a task for the government alone but must be championed by families, civil society, youth groups, faith leaders, community organisations, businesses and individuals with lived experience. “Their voices matter. Their stories inspire. Their leadership is essential,” the President said. Tinubu noted, “Together, we can dismantle the systems that sustain this crisis. Together, we can build a future where prevention is strong, treatment is accessible, and recovery is not just possible—but celebrated.” He connected this commitment to his administration’s broader Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to address socio-economic vulnerabilities. “This has been the focus of our administration—breaking the burden of poverty, uplifting millions out of squalor, and caring for the youth through the student loan scheme and other empowerment initiatives,” he said. Tinubu also commended the leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and its chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), for the agency’s globally recognised achievements in both drug supply and demand reduction. “The NDLEA’s work has not only earned praise from international partners but has also drawn further support and collaboration in the global fight against substance abuse,” he noted. In his welcome address, Marwa revealed Nigeria’s drug challenge, stressing that prevention must now be treated as a national emergency. “With a population exceeding 230 million, it is both urgent and pragmatic to prevent new individuals from being drawn into the population of drug users,” he said. According to Marwa, the NDLEA has adopted a two-pronged strategy: an aggressive crackdown on drug supply networks and a robust push for drug use prevention and rehabilitation. “Over the past 53 months, we have arrested 66,085 drug offenders, including 94 identified drug barons. We’ve seized over 11.1 million kilograms of assorted drugs and secured the conviction of 12,201 individuals”, he announced. The former Lagos military governor further revealed that 26,393 persons had undergone counselling and rehabilitation during the period, with 30 treatment centres currently in operation and seven more approved for development in the current fiscal year. Marwa praised the support of the Tinubu administration, the National Assembly, and international partners, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the US Drug Enforcement Administration, the UK Border Force, and others. Marwa said that beyond enforcement, the agency has made significant strides in community-based advocacy and prevention through its flagship War Against Drug Abuse campaign. “Every week, in all 36 states, the FCT and 14 zonal commands, WADA teams raise awareness in schools, markets, offices, places of worship and transport hubs through over 11,000 sensitisation programmes and weekly media campaigns, we have reached millions”, he said. Marwa emphasised that effective parenting and responsible teaching are frontline defences in the fight against drug abuse. “Children don’t just need money—they need the presence and guidance of their parents,” he said, urging parents and teachers to instil values and stay engaged in their wards’ lives. He also spotlighted the NDLEA’s 24/7 toll-free helpline and psychological support services as essential resources for those battling addiction. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, in his remarks, described drug abuse as a multidimensional threat, undermining national security, public health, and economic development. “It forces organised crime, destroys the rule of law, and erodes the future of our young people—our most precious national assets,” Fagbemi stated. He emphasised the importance of integrating drug prevention into the educational system, healthcare services, and criminal justice systems. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, represented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, described the fight against drugs as “a war of necessity.” “Every life lost to addiction is not just a tragedy; it is a failure of our collective will. Every young Nigerian drawn into this abyss is a call to arms,” Dankwambo said. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Country Representative, Cheikh Ousmane Toure, said prevention, treatment, and recovery must not be seen as luxuries. “They are life-saving investments. Together, we can break the vicious cycle of drug abuse, organised crime and marginalisation, and build a safer, healthier, and more hopeful Nigeria,” he stressed.

dataDp/9958.jpeg

P7as2

Bobby Deols Dramatic 15 Kg Weight Loss For His Next FilmAnd Its Not Ramayana

Bobby Deol is in the spotlight again, but this time not for Ramayana. The busy actor with an imposing screen presence and trademark roles is undergoing a dramatic makeover for a new project that has something big in store for viewers and reviewers alike. With special access to inside information and fresh photos of his dramatic new look, it’s evident that Bobby Deol is out to redefine himself once again. No longer the 90s heartthrob with his floppy hair and swoon-worthy smile, Bobby Deol has gone on to remake himself in steady succession. From his second coming with Class of ’83 and Aashram to his ferocious comeback with Animal, Deol has evolved into one of Bollywood’s most volatile and commanding artists. His last outing in Housefull 5, even a cameo, made a dent because of his gruesome portrayal of the killer, a testament to the fact that even a couple of minutes of screen space is sufficient for Bobby to draw attention to himself. Now, he’s preparing for another dramatic jump. And no, it’s not Ramayana. Based on industry sources and exclusive photographs that recently emerged, Bobby Deol has gone through a dramatic makeover for an as-yet-untitled film. The actor has lost an impressive 15 kg to get into the demanding role, demonstrating once again his commitment to his work. In the recent photos doing the rounds from the sets, Bobby Deol appears almost unrecognizable but in the most flattering way. With long hair, a heavy beard, and a salt-and-pepper moustache, Bobby’s new rugged avatar radiates a magnetic charm. He is seen donning a deep maroon shirt layered with a jacket, giving off an intense, almost brooding vibe that fans are already going crazy over. One source close to the project revealed, “Bobby Deol will be seen in a never-seen-before avatar, drastically different from his previous roles. He’s gone through rigorous physical training to lose 15 kilograms, and the transformation is not just physical. His entire body language and screen energy are different. This character demands a raw intensity, and Bobby has delivered just that.” The striking salt-and-pepper look has already become a talking point online, with many fans hailing his ability to age gracefully while experimenting with bold new avatars. Bobby Deol appears to be embracing this period of his career with a fearless energy that distinguishes him from a great many of his peers. Bobby Deol’s career has been anything but standard. With a grand start and good run in the early 2000s, his career went into decline. But instead of fading away, Bobby chose to rebuild. His second innings wasn’t just a return; it was a reinvention. With Aashram, he stepped into the OTT world and delivered one of the most hauntingly layered performances in recent memory. His villainous turn in Animal as Abrar became a fan favorite and sparked numerous discussions online for its sheer intensity and unpredictability. From being a romantic hero to a gritty antagonist, Bobby Deol is now setting his sights on breaking yet another stereotype. His upcoming projects only reinforce that thought. Bobby’s work calendar is buzzing. Aside from this mysterious transformation-based project, he’s set to appear in Ba**ds of Bollywood*, a much-awaited Netflix series directed by Aryan Khan, Shah Rukh Khan’s son. The project already has immense buzz due to the star kid’s directorial debut, and Bobby’s involvement only ups the anticipation. He’s also slated to appear in Alpha, a YRF production that stars Alia Bhatt and Sharvari in action-packed lead roles. Released in December 2025, Alpha is an important milestone in Indian cinema since, for the first time, two women are helming an action film in the YRF franchise. Bobby’s character in Alpha remains a secret for now, but given his existing track record, it’s going to be something memorable. From teen idol to one of the most unconventional and experimental actors in the business today, Bobby Deol’s is a masterclass in reinvention. The reason why his current stint is so exciting is because he can take change on board, push himself, and let his work do the talking. With a 15 kg weight loss, a whole new appearance, and a pipeline of strong projects lined up, Bobby Deol is not just returning; he’s making a statement. And as fans, we’re here for every moment of it. Tune in for more exclusive updates on Bobby Deol’s makeover, what the mystery is behind his new project, and what else 2025 holds for Bollywood’s biggest surprise comeback hero.

profile/5683FB_IMG_16533107021641748.jpg

News_Naija

Bleaching Creams With Over 2% Hydroquinone Harmful, NAFDAC Warns

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control has warned users of bleaching creams to desist from using products with excess hydroquinone to safeguard their health. NAFDAC Bauchi State Coordinator, Mr Hamis Yahaya, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Bauchi on Tuesday. Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent used to treat hyperpigmentation, such as melasma and age spots. Yahaya said that the approved quantity of the chemical substance in cosmetics was only two per cent. According to him, NAFDAC conducts checks on market products to ensure public health. “The black colour provides natural protection against harmful radiation due to melanin content. “Applying creams with hydroquinone contents more than two per cent is harmful. Mixing creams by non-experts is wrong. “Hydroquinone affects the health of the users gradually, including causing cancer,” he said. Yahaya urged the media to create awareness in order to stem down the use of cosmetics that would endanger the lives of consumers NAN