Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has raised concerns over the planned relocation of critical firefighting simulation equipment from the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria, Kaduna State, to Lagos. The NEF believes the relocation could have negative implications for the institution and the broader aviation sector in Nigeria. The firefighting simulators at NCAT are crucial in preparing future aviation professionals for potential fire emergencies. Relocating these simulators to an undisclosed location could jeopardize the quality of training provided to students and compromise the safety of air travel in Nigeria. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has debunked the allegations, stating that the report was false, unfounded, and pure mischief. The federal government acquired the N5bn automatic aircraft firefighting simulator for NCAT in 2019, the first of its kind in Africa.

Suicide is on the front burner as an array of enlightened speakers and panelists gather to deliberate on critical issues around mental health, in continuation of the public enlightenment and education on mental health in Nigeria, as Vanguard hosts the third edition of its Mental Health Summit Series.This year’s Summit will confront Nigeria’s escalating suicide crisis and the often-overlooked intersection with substance abuse. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among Nigerian youth aged 15 to 29 even as 450,000 Nigerians need mental health and psychosocial support every year due to suicide-related trauma.The Summit, themed “Taming the tide of suicide in Nigeria”, with sub-theme: “Substance and Silence: Unmasking the Dual Crisis of Addiction and Suicide” is designed to rekindle the awareness on mental health, tackle the challenges surrounding the management of the various mental disorders, and mitigate their effects on the community.As the forum opens at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island,  it is expected, once again, to bring together policymakers, mental health professionals, survivors, media leaders, and youth advocates to drive urgent conversations around decriminalisation, stigma reduction, and community-based care.As the conversation continues, expectation for a humane legal system for suicide prevention is top on the expected outcomes. According to World Health Organisation (WHO) and World Bank data, an estimated 11,000 Nigerians died by suicide in 2021, while over 200,000 others attempted it and survived.With Nigeria’s 2021 population placed at about 218.5 million, the WHO’s reported suicide rate of 4.9 to 5 deaths per 100,000 people translates to roughly 10,900 to 11,000 deaths that yearFor every suicide death, experts estimate there are at least 20 non-fatal attempts, suggesting that hundreds of thousands of Nigerians may be struggling silently with suicidal thoughts and behaviour.While the figures place Nigeria below the global average suicide rate of 8.9 per 100,000, mental health specialists warn that under-reporting, stigma, and poor data systems mean the true burden may be higher, even as many deaths go unrecorded or are misclassified as accidents due to cultural and religious sensitivities, or fear of arrest under Nigeria’s Criminal Code, which  criminalises attempted suicide.Experts say the outdated law discourages people in distress from seeking help and fuels the culture of silence around mental illness. They are calling for urgent reform to treat suicide as a public health concern rather than a criminal offence, in line with WHO recommendations and global mental health standards.The  Chairman, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) representing Cross River South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who is the Special Guest of Honour at the Summit, will give remarks about the Suicide Decriminalisation Bill currently before the National Assembly.

Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Minna, Nigeria, following incessant killings in Benue and Plateau states. The curfew could be extended to other local government areas, identifying motorcyles and tricycles as major vehicles used by criminals. The governor vowed to lead an operation to flush out criminals in Minna, exempting medical emergency operators from the ban. He also warned district, village, and ward heads to ensure proper documentation of people in their domains.At a meeting with the visiting NSA and stakeholders at Benue Government House, Makurdi, Ter Ukum, HRH Iyorkaa Kaave revealed that marauders attacked Afia in the early hours of yesterday, with 11 bodies recovered. Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the activities of the marauders in the state since 2011, stating that the state was under siege and faced numerous loss of lives, farmlands, and property. He called for support from the NSA and collaboration with the federal government to stop the killings. The two paramount rulers of the state, Tor Tiv VI and Och’Idoma, Dr. John Odogbo, attended a meeting to discuss security challenges.