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Oko-Baba Destitute Home in Lagos: Over 2,000 Residents Face Growing Threat of Infectious Diseases

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In this investigative feature, Subair Mohammed explores the living conditions of over 2,000 residents of the Oko-Baba Destitute Home in the Ebute Metta (East) area of Lagos State. The inhabitants share their concerns and hopes for government intervention.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Oko-Baba Destitute Home, situated on Lagos Mainland, has become a refuge for individuals with various physical disabilities, ranging from deformities to illnesses. Despite their vulnerability, the community has shown resilience, with some residents managing to provide secondary and tertiary education for their children. While the educated members of the community hope for dignified employment, others rely on charity, depending on the generosity of individuals and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to meet their needs.

For nearly three decades, the beggars’ colony, initially established by the then Lagos State military administrator, Col. Buba Marwa (1996–1999), has become home to over 2,000 vulnerable people. The colony is now known as the “Home of Potentials” but is facing severe challenges. It is divided into three main sections: the leper section, the blind section, and the crippled section, each led by a community leader. However, with overcrowding and neglect from successive governments, the facility has deteriorated into a breeding ground for infectious diseases, with the rooms and sanitation facilities in critical condition.

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A growing concern is the presence of waste, including refuse piles and malfunctioning septic tanks, which contribute to an unsanitary environment. Inmates, both male and female, share common toilets and facilities, further exacerbating the risk of infections.

Health Risks and Inadequate Sanitation

Sanni Abdul-Hamid, a 25-year-old leper and a small business owner, highlighted the dire health situation within the colony. He explained that residents face significant risks of contracting toilet-related infections due to the poor state of the sanitary facilities. Abdul-Hamid said, “The toilets and sanitation facilities are in terrible condition, making both men and women vulnerable to diseases.”

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He also shared his personal story, recalling how he dropped out of secondary school in Jigawa State after being diagnosed with leprosy in 2010. Abdul-Hamid moved to Lagos in search of opportunities, intending to learn phone repair and build a business. However, his entrepreneurial hopes were dashed when Lagos State government officials destroyed all the stalls and shops within the Home, prohibiting any form of trade. As a result, Abdul-Hamid turned to operating a Point-of-Sale (PoS) business, which he continues today.

The situation in Oko-Baba underscores the urgent need for government intervention to address the deteriorating conditions and improve the lives of those living within the Home.

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Luis Enrique Unsure Over Vitinha’s Fitness Ahead Of Bayern Semi-Final.

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Luis Enrique, manager of Paris Saint-Germain, has revealed uncertainty over the fitness of Vitinha ahead of next week’s UEFA Champions League semi-final clash against Bayern Munich.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The midfielder is set to miss Wednesday’s Ligue 1 fixture against FC Nantes due to a heel issue, raising concerns about his availability for the first leg at the Parc des Princes.

Speaking to reporters, Enrique said the club would carefully monitor the recovery of injured players but could not confirm if Vitinha would be fit in time for the crucial encounter.

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He noted that the player’s condition requires careful management, adding that some members of the squad are also dealing with fatigue and minor injuries.

If Vitinha is unavailable, Fabián Ruiz could step back into midfield. The Spaniard recently returned from injury, featuring briefly in PSG’s 2-1 defeat to Olympique Lyonnais.

Enrique acknowledged that Ruiz still needs more match time to regain full fitness, though he expressed satisfaction with his progress so far.

The former FC Barcelona and Spain coach also challenged his squad to raise their performance levels, despite the club’s ongoing pursuit of domestic and European success.

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Teen forward Ibrahim Mbaye was omitted from the previous match, with Enrique stressing that players must make the most of every opportunity and meet higher expectations.

A win over Nantes would see PSG move three points ahead of title rivals RC Lens with five matches remaining in the season.

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“Tension Rises In Cross River Over New COVID-19 Outbreak”.

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The Cross River State Government has confirmed a new case of COVID-19, assuring residents that necessary measures have been put in place to contain the situation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that the announcement was made on Tuesday in Calabar by the Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, during a press briefing.

Ayuk disclosed that the index case involves a 53-year-old Chinese national employed by Lafarge in Akamkpa Local Government Area. He explained that the individual arrived in Nigeria on March 17 and later began showing symptoms associated with COVID-19.

According to the commissioner, the patient’s condition worsened while receiving care at a government facility, leading to his transfer to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for advanced treatment.

At the teaching hospital, samples were taken and all necessary protocols observed, after which the infection was confirmed. Ayuk, however, noted that the patient is responding well to treatment.

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He stressed that the state’s healthcare system is adequately prepared to manage such cases, urging residents not to panic as surveillance and containment strategies are already in effect.

The commissioner added that authorities ensured proper verification before making the case public, in line with established health guidelines.

Also speaking, the State Epidemiologist, Inyang Ekpenyong, said the emergency response system has been activated, with contact tracing and identification of possible contacts already ongoing.

She revealed that rapid response teams have been deployed to Akamkpa, where the patient works, to monitor the situation closely.

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Ekpenyong noted that although the last confirmed case in the state was recorded in 2022, there are indications the infection may have been contracted within Nigeria, given the timeline of symptom development.

She emphasised that while COVID-19 cannot be entirely prevented, its spread can be effectively controlled through prompt and coordinated response efforts.

On her part, the World Health Organisation’s State Coordinator, Yewande Olatunde, reiterated that COVID-19 remains a public health concern and urged continued adherence to preventive measures.

reports that health authorities have heightened surveillance across the state as part of efforts to prevent further transmission.

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“Eight Lawmakers Defect, Trigger Fresh Political Tension”.

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Eight members of the House of Representatives have officially switched parties, with their defections announced during Tuesday’s plenary session.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, read out separate letters from the lawmakers confirming their decisions, as the House resumed sitting after the Easter break.

reports that five of the defectors left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), one member moved from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while two lawmakers exited the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Commenting on the development, Kalu said the movement of lawmakers across different parties reflects a functioning democracy, noting that shifts are occurring both from major to smaller parties and vice versa.

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Among the defectors, Thaddeus Attah, who represents Eti-Osa Federal Constituency in Lagos State, moved from the Labour Party to the ADC, citing the prolonged leadership crisis within the party as the reason for his decision.

Other changes saw Abubakar Abdul from Niger State leave the PDP for the APC, while Yakubu Noma from Kebbi State defected from the PDP to the ADC. Ibrahim Mohammed, also from Kebbi, joined the APC from the PDP.

In Osun State, Mudashiru Alani and Adetunji Olusoji both left the PDP to join the Accord Party.

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Additionally, David Fuoh from Taraba State moved from the APC to the PDP, while Bashir Zubair from Kaduna State defected from the APC to the ADC.

Despite the changes, the APC still retains a majority in the House.

Meanwhile, the House adjourned plenary until Wednesday in honour of Kano lawmaker Hassan Danjuma, who passed away on April 10, 2026, at the age of 66.

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