By George Mgbeleke

In a bid eradicate Maleria in the country, Senate on Wednesday passed for third reading , a bill seeking the establishment of the National Agency for Malaria Elimination in Nigeria and other related matters .

This is as the sponsor of the bill , Senator Ned Nwoko ( Delta North ) assured Nigerians that the intendment of the bill was achievable and will make Nigeria the first country in Africa to be malaria free .

Passage of the bill for third reading by the Senate followed consideration and adoption of report presented by its committee on Health ( Secondary and Tertiary ) , Chaired by Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo ( Rivers West ) .

The committee in the report explained to the Senate that the proposed agency, when established , will be responsible for coordinating all national efforts towards the prevention , control, and eventual elimination of malaria .

It specifically stated that ” The agency when established, will help shift the country ‘s approach from curative to preventive or elimination.”

The committee added in the report that for nationwide operation of the proposed agency , zonal and state offices shall be established and to be driven by strategic plan backed by law, science and accountability.

In his remarks after the passage of the bill for third reading , the President of the Senate , Godswill Akpabio , described the legislation as a landmark as far as the war against Malaria is concerned being the commonest ailment in this part of the world .

Addressing journalists after passage of the bill, Senator Ned Nwoko said “elimination of Malaria in Nigeria , is practicable and achievable.

” In the course of my research on elimination of Malaria , I went to Antarctica with some of my legislative aides after which I came up with the bill , which was passed for second reading in May last year and third reading by the Senate today.

” Eradicating or Eliminating Malaria is achievable in Nigeria through a special agency for that purpose.

” The agency when established , shall through effective waste management, fumigation and research on vaccine , see to the elimination of malaria in Nigeria “, he assured .

By George Mgbeleke

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) extends warm Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Muslim faithful across Nigeria and around the world as we join millions in celebrating this sacred season of sacrifice, faith, obedience, and compassion.

In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary of ADC,Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi
,” As a party, we recognise that this year’s Sallah is coming at an exceptionally difficult period for many Nigerians. Across the country, millions of families are struggling under the weight of rising food prices, worsening economic hardship, unemployment, and growing insecurity. Many citizens are uncertain about tomorrow, and many homes are carrying burdens heavier than they have ever known.

“Yet, even in moments like this, we believe Nigerians must not lose hope in the future of our country.

“Eid-el-Kabir reminds us that faith is most meaningful in difficult seasons. This lesson is especially important for Nigeria today.”

Continuing he said “as a party believe deeply that beyond the hardship and frustration of this moment lies the possibility of a stronger, safer, and more prosperous nation. We believe in a Nigeria where real leadership works for the people, where young people can dream again, where farmers can return safely to their farms, where businesses can grow, and where ordinary citizens can once again live with dignity and hope.

“As Nigerians celebrate this Sallah, we urge all citizens not to surrender to the despair that is widespread under this government. The darkness of today must not blind us to the possibilities of tomorrow. History has shown that nations recover when citizens refuse to stop believing in a better future.

“We also call on leaders across all levels to reflect seriously on the deeper meaning of responsibility during this season.

“This Sallah, we pray for peace across our country, healing for hurting communities, relief for struggling families, and unity among Nigerians across religious and ethnic lines.

“Above all, we remain confident that Nigeria can still rise again.”

By Our Correspondent

The Executive Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, Chief Saviour Enyiekere has felicitated with Nigerians on the occasion of this year’s Eid el- Kabir celebration, stressing on the importance of sacrifice, love and dedication to national development.

In a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, E. N. Anyigor, saying, “On this joyous occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, I extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt congratulations to all Muslim faithfuls and indeed, all Nigerians as they commemorate this sacred festival of sacrifice, obedience, love , and devotion to Almighty God”, he declared, noting that Eid-el- Kabir was a significant period in the Islamic faith, reminding humanity of the virtues exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim — unwavering faith, selflessness, obedience, and total submission to the will of God.

According to him, these enduring values continue to offer guidance and inspiration for building a virile, stronger, more united, and peaceful society where everyone will flourish in.

Speaking further, he said, “As we celebrate this important festival, I urge Nigerians, irrespective of religious, ethnic, or political affiliations, to embrace the spirit of sacrifice, tolerance, love, and mutual understanding in our nation’s journey towards national unity, peace and development”.
He also called on all Nigerians to strive to play their role towards the peace and development of the country. Eid-el-Kabir (also known as Eid al-Adha or the “Greater Eid”) is a major Islamic festival celebrated globally to honor Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s absolute faith and submission to Allah, who provided a ram to be sacrificed instead of his son.