Declaring the indefinite strike, “It becomes imperative to inform you that since the federal fovernment is yet to meet these demands, our members have been directed by the JOHESU National Executive Council (NEC) to proceed on an indefinite strike upon the expiration of the ultimatum by mid-night of May 25.
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Indefinite Strike: JOHESU insists on pharmacists consultant cadre
Indefinite Strike: JOHESU insists on pharmacists consultant cadre
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has insisted on the immediate and unconditional implementation of the approved Consultation Cadre Circular of Pharmacists in all federal health institutions (FHIs) before it called off the ongoing indefinite strike.
The union’s vice chairman, Dr. Ogbonna Chimela, who explained some of the reasons the professionals under the auspices of the JOHESU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) embarked on the indefinite strike, decried what he described as “disgraceful methodology” with which Physicians with the support of the Health Ministers have suppressed efforts of non-physician health professionals to diversify and expand their knowledge.
In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja yesterday, he said, ‘’One of the areas that has showcased the reign of tyranny of Physician – Health Minister in contemporary times is the disgraceful methodology with which they have suppressed every attempt of non-physician health professionals to diversify and expand their knowledge base by refusing to accord them recognition when they bag Post-graduate Degrees and Fellowship,’’ he said.
“In 2021, the minister of health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, gave directives to the UCH, Ibadan Board to terminate the Consultant status of all non-physician health professionals.’’ He explained that the ‘’Pharmacists went through the entire gamut of due process having secured approvals of the National Council on Establishment as far back as 2011 for their consultant cadre.
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“In 2020 and 2021, official circulars were issued from the Office of the Head of the Civil service of the Federation (OHCSF) who is also a Physician and the Federal Ministry of Health through its immediate past Permanent Secretary who was rated as one of the most seasoned bureaucrats of his generation to further boost the Consultant cadre in pharmacy practice,” he said.
According to Chimela, “The Niger State government introduced the consultant cadre in pharmacy practice as far back as 2013. Other states such as Edo and Osun have followed suit. Two pharmacist consultants were appointed at the Aso Rock Villa Clinic in May 2023.”
He noted with regrets that Enahire had conformed with the precedence of the inglorious era of Prof. Christian Chukwu and Prof. Isaac Adewole to insist that only physicians can be consultants in federal health institutions by issuing a ridiculous Circular through the infamous Department of Hospital Services that ties the appointment of Pharmacists Consultants to vacancies which must be created by the Federal Ministry of Health.’’
He declared that ‘’JOHESU/AHPA has critically appraised this development and moving forward demand in tune with the official circulars for consultant cadre in pharmacy practice in the public sector, that all the federal health institutions must appoint at least 15 pharmacists consultants in each teaching hospital, while the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) and its equivalents must have at least 10 pharmacist consultants.’’
He decried social injustice and discriminatory adjustment by the Federal Ministry of Health in favour of physicians and to the disadvantage of other health workers.
Chimela, while declaring the commencement of the indefinite strike, also highlighted the failure of the Federal Government to adjust the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for health workers, as was done with the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for physicians.
JOHESU/AHPA called for the immediate approval and Implementation of the Technical Committee report on CONHESS adjustment by the government.
He demanded the payment of all withheld salaries of its members in Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH); outstanding April and May 2018 salaries of members in Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Azare and payment of health workers excluded in the payment of new hazard allowances.
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Third Mainland Bridge Crash: 10 Injured as LASEMA Averts Train Collision in Lagos
Third Mainland Bridge Crash: 10 Injured as LASEMA Averts Train Collision in Lagos
LAGOS — At least 10 passengers have been injured in a chain-reaction crash involving two commercial buses and a trailer on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, while emergency responders separately averted a possible train collision at Ilupeju Bypass.
The two incidents occurred on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, according to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
The bridge accident reportedly began when a commercial bus stopped to fix a faulty tyre. Another bus subsequently rammed into the stationary vehicle, triggering a chain reaction.
A trailer then crashed into the second bus before its driver reportedly fled the scene, leaving the injured passengers in need of emergency assistance.
LASEMA said its emergency response team arrived at the scene, administered first aid to the victims and evacuated them to a hospital for further treatment.
The damaged vehicles were subsequently cleared from the affected section of the bridge, allowing traffic to resume.
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The incident raised fresh concerns about road safety on the busy bridge, which connects Lagos Island with the mainland and carries heavy traffic daily.
In a separate incident at Ilupeju Bypass, emergency responders prevented a potential collision between a train and a commercial bus that had broken down on a railway track.
According to LASEMA, the bus became stranded on the track after developing a mechanical fault, creating a potentially dangerous situation for rail operations.
Emergency officials deployed a light tow truck to remove the vehicle from the railway line before a possible collision occurred.
The agency said its response team managed the situation and ensured that the stranded bus was removed from the track.
Following the incidents, LASEMA urged motorists to maintain their vehicles regularly and avoid stopping to carry out repairs on busy highways and bridges, warning that such actions could endanger passengers and other road users.
Motorists were also advised to exercise caution when their vehicles develop mechanical faults, particularly in locations where stopping could trigger secondary accidents.
The agency encouraged Lagos residents who require urgent assistance to contact its emergency hotlines on 767 or 112.
The incidents highlight the importance of vehicle maintenance, prompt emergency response and strict adherence to road and railway safety measures to prevent avoidable injuries and loss of life.
Third Mainland Bridge Crash: 10 Injured as LASEMA Averts Train Collision in Lagos
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Ebola Scare: NSCIA Directs Imams to Intensify Awareness in Friday Sermons
Ebola Scare: NSCIA Directs Imams to Intensify Awareness in Friday Sermons
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged chief imams, Islamic scholars and Muslim organisations across Nigeria to intensify public awareness of Ebola virus disease (EVD) following the confirmation of a case in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The council called on religious leaders to use Friday sermons, mosque gatherings and community engagements to educate worshippers about the disease, its symptoms, preventive measures and the importance of seeking prompt medical attention.
The advisory, dated Wednesday, October 21, 2026, was signed by the NSCIA Secretary-General, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, on behalf of the council, which is led by its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
The council said religious institutions had an important role to play in preventing the spread of the infection by providing accurate information, encouraging early reporting of suspected cases and discouraging practices that could expose people to the virus.
It also urged state councils for Islamic affairs and Muslim organisations to mobilise their networks to ensure that public health information reaches communities across the country.
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The NSCIA warned that the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, responsible for the current outbreak, has no approved vaccine or specific curative treatment. However, it noted that early detection, prompt medical care and strict preventive measures could improve survival and help prevent further transmission.
The council advised Muslims who develop symptoms suggestive of Ebola to avoid congregational prayers and other public gatherings until they have received medical assessment.
It also cautioned against attempting to treat suspected cases at home or transporting potentially infected people without guidance from health authorities.
On burial practices, the NSCIA warned family members and ordinary burial attendants against washing or handling the bodies of suspected or confirmed Ebola victims. It said safe and dignified burials should be conducted by authorised health personnel in consultation with relevant Islamic authorities.
The council further encouraged regular handwashing, environmental cleanliness and avoidance of direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of people who may be infected.
It urged Nigerians to cooperate with contact-tracing teams and comply with official public health directives, while warning against rumours, unverified remedies and the stigmatisation of affected people and their families.
The NSCIA stressed that protecting human life and seeking medical care were consistent with Islamic teachings, urging religious leaders to communicate preventive advice responsibly without creating unnecessary panic.
The advisory followed the Federal Government’s confirmation on Tuesday, October 20, of an Ebola case in Abuja involving a woman who recently travelled to Nigeria after visiting Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said the patient was receiving medical care in isolation at a private hospital in the FCT.
Health authorities have identified 44 close contacts and commenced contact tracing to determine who may have been exposed to the infection. The contacts include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and people linked to the patient’s travels.
The government, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and other relevant agencies, has intensified surveillance and infection-prevention measures to contain the disease.
The NSCIA urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and guided by verified information as health authorities continue their response.
The council called on imams, Islamic scholars and Muslim organisations to circulate its advisory widely and work with public health officials to protect communities from further transmission.
Ebola Scare: NSCIA Directs Imams to Intensify Awareness in Friday Sermons
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Jailbreak Saga: Guard Bagged 2.5 Years for Helping 10 Inmates Escape Through Toilet Hole
Jailbreak Saga: Guard Bagged 2.5 Years for Helping 10 Inmates Escape Through Toilet Hole
A former jail worker in New Orleans, Sterling Williams, has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for his role in a daring jailbreak that saw ten inmates escape through a hole behind a toilet.
The shocking incident, which occurred in May 2025, left authorities red-faced after the fleeing inmates left behind a mocking note that simply read: “Too Easy.”
According to reports, Williams, who was entrusted with supervising the facility, compromised security protocols to facilitate the escape. Investigators revealed that the inmates managed to breach the wall behind a toilet fixture, crawling to freedom through the opening.
The jailbreak sparked a massive manhunt across the city, though all ten inmates were eventually recaptured. Williams’ sentencing brings a close to a case that exposed significant security lapses within the Orleans Parish facility.
Prosecutors argued that Williams abused his position of trust, endangering public safety. The court agreed, handing down the 30-month sentence this week.
The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office has since stated that stricter security measures and structural inspections have been implemented to prevent future breaches.
Jailbreak Saga: Guard Bagged 2.5 Years for Helping 10 Inmates Escape Through Toilet Hole
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