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AFIDMURG Trains Over 150 African Researchers On Infectious Disease Systematic Review
AFIDMURG Trains Over 150 African Researchers On Infectious Disease Systematic Review
The African Infectious Disease Multidisciplinary Research and Grant (AFIDMURG) has successfully trained more than 150 infectious disease experts, researchers, academicians, laboratorians, policymakers and postgraduate students from Africa and other continents during a virtual workshop on systematic review reporting and infectious disease research.
The workshop, held on May 7, 2026, focused on strengthening Africa’s research capacity, improving evidence-based scientific reporting and enhancing preparedness against emerging and endemic infectious diseases across the continent.
Participants at the training came from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, reflecting the growing international interest in collaborative infectious disease research involving Africa.
AFIDMURG, established in 2020, was founded with the vision of connecting African infectious disease experts and multidisciplinary researchers to solve communal health challenges linked to endemic and emerging diseases affecting the continent.
Speaking during the workshop themed “Step-by-Step Approach to a Systematic Review,” the Founder and Director of AFIDMURG, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adeyemi Anjorin, stressed the urgent need to strengthen Africa’s contribution to global infectious disease data and scientific research.
Dr. Anjorin, the immediate past Head of the Department of Microbiology at Lagos State University, noted that infectious diseases remain among the leading causes of death globally, citing illnesses such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, influenza, Lassa fever, Mpox and Ebola.
According to him, Africa must improve the quality and speed of infectious disease reporting and publication through globally recognised scientific tools such as systematic reviews.
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“The battle against infectious diseases requires experts to be well equipped, hence the need for capacity building with correct instruments like systematic review to integrate African data into the world database,” he said.
Dr. Anjorin, who also serves on several international scientific and virology networks, explained that AFIDMURG intends to train researchers in areas such as disease surveillance, grant writing, pandemic prevention, artificial intelligence applications and practical research skills.
He added that the organisation aims to foster collaboration among African scientists globally while strengthening local and international partnerships in infectious disease research.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Muhabat Raji of Alfaisal University, Riyadh, highlighted the growing importance of systematic reviews in evidence-based research, public health policy and clinical decision-making.
She explained that systematic reviews offer a structured and transparent approach to synthesising scientific literature, thereby improving the reliability and credibility of research findings.
Dr. Raji urged researchers to adhere to ethical standards and globally accepted reporting guidelines while conducting systematic reviews to ensure impactful and internationally relevant studies.
She also encouraged young researchers and academics to embrace interdisciplinary collaboration and continuously develop their skills in research methodologies and digital research tools.
According to her, systematic reviews not only identify knowledge gaps but also contribute significantly to policy formulation, academic development and improved healthcare practices.
The guest speaker, Prof. Ismail Ayoade Odetokun of the University of Ilorin, delivered detailed practical sessions explaining the concept and processes involved in conducting systematic reviews.
He guided participants through major stages including topic selection, research question formulation, literature search strategies, data extraction and analysis of findings.
Prof. Odetokun also discussed common challenges associated with systematic reviews and advised researchers to maintain methodological rigor, objectivity and accuracy during scientific investigations.
The virtual workshop was moderated by Emmanuel Oyinloye of Hanover Medical School, Germany, who coordinated discussions and facilitated interaction between speakers and participants throughout the event.
In his closing remarks, Oyinloye summarised key lessons from the workshop and encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained in future academic and scientific research projects.
AFIDMURG disclosed that its overarching mission is to foster infectious disease multidisciplinary collaborations among Africans globally, collect and analyse disease outbreak data, secure research grants and publish timely scientific findings on infectious diseases affecting Africa.
The organisation also highlighted some of its previous Pan-African studies on COVID-19, vaccine surveillance and Mpox outbreaks published in international journals including PLOS One, Tropical Medicine and International Health, Vaccines, PAMJ and COVID.
AFIDMURG further announced that it remains open to infectious disease experts and researchers interested in collaborative research, grant development and public health initiatives across Africa and beyond.
AFIDMURG Trains Over 150 African Researchers On Infectious Disease Systematic Review
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News
Court remands alleged ‘fake PFIPC DG’ Adeyemi in Kuje over forgery
Court remands alleged ‘fake PFIPC DG’ Adeyemi in Kuje over forgery
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the remand of Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, who allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC, at the Kuje Correctional Centre over alleged forgery.
Justice Muhammed Umar reportedly made the order on Wednesday after Adeyemi was arraigned on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged forgery.
Adeyemi pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The court also fixed October 12, 2026, for the hearing of his bail application and directed that the case be given accelerated hearing.
One of the allegations against Adeyemi relates to the alleged forgery of presidential letterhead paper on March 8, 2024.
He was also accused of allegedly forging a request for collaboration with the Ministry of the Area Councils, as well as documents requesting land allocation and office accommodation across the 36 states of the federation.
The documents were allegedly presented as having emanated from the State House in Abuja.
The case is connected to the controversy surrounding the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, an organisation the Federal Government has said was never established as a government agency.
The Presidency had earlier disowned the organisation and warned members of the public and foreign missions against dealing with Adeyemi on the basis of his alleged claim to have been appointed by the Presidency.
The government subsequently said investigations had established that the purported agency was fictitious and alleged that Adeyemi used forged appointment letters and other government documents to present himself as a presidential appointee.
The authorities further alleged that documents associated with the purported organisation were used to seek official recognition and diplomatic assistance.
The controversy also attracted the attention of the House of Representatives, which investigated the activities of the organisation and the circumstances surrounding Adeyemi’s alleged appointment.
During the investigation, lawmakers were told that the appointment letter allegedly presented by Adeyemi had been confirmed to be fake by relevant government authorities.
The case has also raised questions over how the purported organisation was able to operate and obtain correspondence with some government institutions before the Presidency publicly disowned it.
Adeyemi, however, has denied the allegations against him and previously made counter-allegations concerning the circumstances surrounding his purported appointment. He has also questioned references to the PFIPC in government documents.
Those claims remain part of the wider controversy and have yet to be determined by the court.
With the latest order, Adeyemi will remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.
His bail application is expected to come up on October 12, 2026.
The allegations against him remain unproven until determined by the court.
Court remands alleged ‘fake PFIPC DG’ Adeyemi in Kuje over forgery
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News
FG Opens Nationwide Youth Registration, Targets Nigerians Aged 15–35
FG Opens Nationwide Youth Registration, Targets Nigerians Aged 15–35
The Federal Government has commenced nationwide registration of Nigerians aged 15 to 35 under the National Youth Data Bank (NYDB), a new initiative designed to build a reliable database of young people and support access to jobs, skills training, internships, entrepreneurship and other opportunities.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announced the commencement of the exercise as the government launched the National Youth Data Bank, saying accurate youth data would help improve the planning, targeting and delivery of government programmes.
The NYDB is designed to capture information on young Nigerians, including their education, skills, employment, entrepreneurship and other demographic characteristics. The official platform says the database is intended to provide a centralised and continuously updated picture of Nigeria’s youth population.
The government said the initiative is not an electoral registration exercise but a youth development programme aimed at improving how government identifies young people and connects them with relevant opportunities.
The registration covers young Nigerians in different sectors and settings, including those in schools, the informal sector, agriculture, sports, creative industries and technology.
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A key part of the exercise is the establishment of approved NYDB registration centres or cluster points. According to the official NYDB platform, young Nigerians can register at approved locations within their state, Local Government Area (LGA), school or other specially designated locations.
This means that not every school, LGA office or public facility is automatically a registration centre. Applicants are expected to use approved NYDB cluster points, where trained registration personnel will guide them through the process.
The exercise is being extended across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with the programme designed to reach young people in rural and underserved communities as well as those in urban areas.
The registration process begins with a visit to an approved NYDB cluster point, followed by an eligibility check and the creation of a youth profile. Participants are then required to confirm the information provided before completing the registration.
The 15 to 35 age bracket is the target population for the data-bank exercise. The database is expected to be updated continuously to maintain current information on eligible young Nigerians.
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development says the information gathered will help government understand where young people are located, what qualifications and skills they have, whether they are employed or seeking opportunities, and what forms of support may be required.
The NYDB platform identifies education, skills, employment, entrepreneurship, civic participation and health among the key areas of information being developed to strengthen youth-focused planning and interventions.
The initiative is also expected to improve the ability of government and authorised partners to identify young people who may be missing from existing datasets, particularly those in rural communities and underserved groups.
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has separately announced plans for a National Youth Confab 2026, scheduled to begin in October, with participation expected from young Nigerians across the country’s 360 federal constituencies.
For Nigerians within the 15–35 age bracket, the government is therefore encouraging participation through the approved NYDB registration centres as the nationwide exercise expands.
FG Opens Nationwide Youth Registration, Targets Nigerians Aged 15–35
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Tinubu Returns After 30 Days in Europe, Says ‘I’m Healthy and Ready to Work’
Tinubu Returns After 30 Days in Europe, Says ‘I’m Healthy and Ready to Work’
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after spending about 30 days in Europe, declaring that he is healthy, sound and ready to work after his extended working vacation.
Tinubu arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 6:22pm on Tuesday after departing Paris, France, where he spent the final part of his trip.
Speaking briefly after his arrival, the President said he had enjoyed his time abroad and dismissed concerns about his health.
“I enjoyed myself,” Tinubu said when asked about his trip.
Asked whether he was ready to resume work, he replied: “Ready to kick. Ready to work. There’s nothing wrong.” He also described himself as “healthy, sound and ready to go.”
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for what was initially announced as a three-week working vacation. He spent time in London before travelling to Paris, with the Presidency later announcing an extension of his stay.
During the European trip, Tinubu maintained contact with Nigerian officials and continued to receive updates on government affairs, according to the Presidency.
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While in Paris, he held a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace and met French businessman Vincent Bolloré and executives of the Bolloré Group.
He also witnessed the signing of an agreement involving the Ogun State Government and DP World for the proposed development of the Gateway Deep Sea Port and Blue Marine Economic Zone. The Presidency has described the proposed project as a $7 billion investment.
Tinubu’s extended stay abroad attracted public debate, particularly after he did not personally attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the UNGA and delivered the country’s national statement.
The Presidency defended the arrangement, maintaining that Tinubu remained in charge of government and continued to direct affairs while abroad.
His return to Nigeria through Lagos also comes ahead of the country’s 66th Independence Day celebrations on October 1.
Tinubu is expected to attend the premiere of MKO, a documentary on the life of the late businessman and pro-democracy campaigner MKO Abiola, at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.
The film features archival material and interviews with prominent Nigerians, including former military leaders Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka and Tinubu.
Tinubu’s return brings his extended European working vacation to an end, with the President expected to resume his regular official engagements as the administration enters the final quarter of 2026.
Tinubu Returns After 30 Days in Europe, Says ‘I’m Healthy and Ready to Work’
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