African Virologists Elected to Lead World Society for Virology

The African Virologists Network (AVN) has congratulated two of its distinguished members, Prof. Marietjie Venter and Prof. Georgina Odaibo, on their election as President and Vice President respectively of the World Society for Virology (WSV).

In a statement issued on behalf of the Chairman of AVN, Prof. Theophilus Adiku, the Executive Council and the entire membership described the development as a landmark achievement for African science and a testament to the continent’s growing influence in global health leadership.

According to the statement, the emergence of the two scholars followed a successful global election process involving virologists from across the world. AVN noted that their election demonstrates that Africa possesses highly trained scientists with strong academic, research and leadership credentials capable of shaping global scientific narratives.

Prof. Marietjie Venter, who holds a PhD in Medical Virology, is a Distinguished Professor and Research Chair in Emerging Viral Threats & One Health (EViTOH) at the Infectious Disease and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI) of the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.

Her Vice President, Prof. Georgina Odaibo, also holds a PhD in Medical Virology and is a Professor of Virology at the University of Ibadan. A three-term Head of Department, she is currently serving with the World Health Organization (WHO) Nigeria.

The newly elected officers are expected to serve a two-year term from March 1, 2026 to February 28, 2028.

AVN expressed confidence that under their leadership, the WSV will strengthen global collaboration in virology, promote the One Health approach, and contribute meaningfully to the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The statement was e-signed by Dr. Abdul-Azeez A. Anjorin (MNYA), AVN Secretariat and Publicity.

African Virologists Elected to Lead World Society for Virology

Abroad-Based Nigerian Woman Kneels with Children in Emotional Tribute to Husband (VIDEO)

An emotional moment was recently captured as an abroad-based Nigerian woman and her children knelt to honor and appreciate their husband and father. In a heartfelt message, the woman told her children,

“Without my husband, I’m nothing in this world. You guys should always treat Daddy as your God. Instead, you disrespect your dad, you disrespect me.”

READ ALSO:

• Outrage as US Lawmakers Recommend Repeal of Sharia Codes in Nigeria
• FG Tells Court NAFDAC Fully Empowered to Enforce Sachet Alcohol Ban
• Senior ISWAP Commander Killed by Own IED in Borno, Sources Say

The scene, marked by tears, hugs, and heartfelt expressions, reflects the deep love and respect she holds for her spouse. Social media users have praised the display as a rare and touching example of family unity and gratitude.

Family psychologists note that such gestures reinforce bonds, model respect for parental figures, and help children understand the value of appreciation in relationships.

The post has since gone viral, sparking discussions on family values, respect for fathers, and emotional expression in Nigerian households.

"Without my husband, I’m nothing in this world. You guys should always treat Daddy as your God. Instead, you disrespect your dad, you disrespect me”🙇♥️

-Emotional moment as an abroad-based Nigerian woman and her children kneel to appreciate the husband pic.twitter.com/QdRRdH21e4

— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) February 25, 2026

Abroad-Based Nigerian Woman Kneels with Children in Emotional Tribute to Husband (VIDEO)

Outrage as US Lawmakers Recommend Repeal of Sharia Codes in Nigeria

The United States Congress has stirred national outrage in Nigeria after recommending the repeal of Sharia codes and criminal anti-blasphemy laws in northern states. The recommendations, included in a joint report on “Christian persecution in Nigeria” submitted to the White House by the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Appropriations Committee, also urged the disarmament of Fulani militias and proposed restrictions on beef and cattle exports to West African countries.

The report claimed that Nigeria is the “deadliest place in the world to be a Christian,” citing attacks by Fulani herdsmen and terrorist groups that have resulted in deaths, kidnappings, and destruction of churches and schools. It accused northern blasphemy laws of being used to silence Christians and other minorities, and urged Washington to push Nigeria toward religious legal reforms.

Religious Leaders Reject US Recommendations

Islamic clerics and scholars have strongly condemned the proposals. Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a Kaduna-based cleric, defended the use of Sharia law, emphasizing that Muslims have a right to be governed by their religious injunctions. He also criticized what he described as a double standard in global religious discourse, noting that while other countries allow governance by religious texts for Christians, similar rights for Muslims are being challenged.

READ ALSO:

• FG Tells Court NAFDAC Fully Empowered to Enforce Sachet Alcohol Ban
• Senior ISWAP Commander Killed by Own IED in Borno, Sources Say
• ADC to Take Alleged Edo Attack on Peter Obi, Odigie-Oyegun to ECOWAS Court

Another cleric, Sheikh Halliru Maraya, described the matter as “sensitive and double-edged,” warning that foreign pressure to scrap Sharia could deepen religious divisions. He stressed that violence in states like Kaduna, Zamfara, and Plateau affects both Christians and Muslims, urging the US to focus on capacity-building, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism cooperation instead of legal interference.

Civil Society and Experts Raise Sovereignty Concerns

Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum, called the US recommendations “provocative” and detrimental to Nigeria’s sovereignty. He warned that attempts to enforce legal reforms externally could undermine interfaith harmony and national stability.

Political scientist Prof Jibrin Ibrahim noted that while the US can express concern about security incidents, it cannot dictate Nigeria’s domestic policies. He highlighted that much of the violence is driven by banditry and resource conflicts, affecting citizens of all faiths, rather than targeting Christians alone.

Federal Government Stresses Cooperation and Sovereignty

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, described the report as a potential catalyst for broader cooperation. The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting religious freedom and emphasized that ongoing security operations, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism efforts address threats posed by terrorist groups, bandits, and communal conflicts, irrespective of religion.

The government stressed that any foreign assistance must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional framework, while warning against external interference in legal matters such as Sharia and blasphemy laws.

Call for Balanced, Home-Grown Solutions

Analysts and civil society organizations argue that while foreign concern is valid, Nigeria must determine its own policies through constitutional processes and inclusive national dialogue. Experts warn that external attempts to reform religious laws risk fueling divisions and undermining national sovereignty, calling for strategic, home-grown solutions to insecurity and interfaith tensions.

Outrage as US Lawmakers Recommend Repeal of Sharia Codes in Nigeria