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  • UN Deputy SG Amina J. Mohammed mourns passing of former Botswana President Festus Mogae

    UN Deputy SG Amina J. Mohammed mourns passing of former Botswana President Festus Mogae

    NEW YORK, U.S. (NPA) — Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina J. Mohammed, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former President of Botswana, Festus Mogae, who passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026.

    “I am saddened by the passing of former President of Botswana, Dr. Festus Mogae,” she said.

    In a statement issued on Friday, Mohammed described the late former president as a visionary leader who played a key role in shaping Botswana’s record of stability and progress. She also noted his courage and compassion in addressing the AIDS crisis, which remained a defining part of his public service legacy.

    She further praised Mogae’s strong belief in Africa’s economic transformation, saying it inspired action across the continent.

    “My heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones and the people of Botswana,” her statement concluded.

    Here’s a sharper, newsroom‑ready edit of your draft in the style you’ve been using:

    Festus Mogae, Botswana’s third president, died at 86 in Gaborone. His passing was announced by President Duma Boko, who declared three days of national mourning with flags flown at half‑mast. Mogae, who led Botswana from 1998 to 2008, earned widespread respect for his economic stewardship during the country’s diamond‑driven growth and for spearheading one of Africa’s most ambitious HIV/AIDS treatment programs, which dramatically reduced infection and mortality rates.

    Beyond his presidency, Mogae remained a prominent voice in peace mediation and public health advocacy. In 2008, he was awarded the prestigious Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership, honoring his democratic governance and peaceful transfer of power. His death marks the loss of a leader celebrated across Africa and internationally for his unwavering commitment to democracy, good governance, and solidarity in confronting public health challenges.

  • Kemi Badenoch hails Conservative comeback as Labour suffers major losses in local elections

    Kemi Badenoch hails Conservative comeback as Labour suffers major losses in local elections

    LONDON, United Kingdom (NPA) — The Leader of the Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has said the Conservatives are returning to mainstream political leadership in Britain following early results from the 2026 UK local elections, which show the Labour Party losing at least 254 council seats across England.

    Badenoch said voters across several key areas were signalling renewed confidence in the Conservatives.

    “From Westminster to Wandsworth, Harlow to Bexley, Fareham to Broxbourne, people can see the Conservative Party is renewed. There is much more to do, but we have the plan and team to get Britain working again,” she said.

    Earlier, Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the scale of Labour’s losses, describing the outcome as “tough results for Labour” and conceding that the party had lost “brilliant representatives who stood up for their communities.”

    The opposition Labour Party, led by Starmer, suffered its worst performance in several key regions, with at least 254 council seats lost across England, according to early confirmed results.

    The defeats were particularly pronounced in northern and working-class strongholds, including parts of Greater Manchester and Hartlepool, long considered core Labour territory.

    The election also saw significant gains by Reform UK, while the Green Party and Liberal Democrats recorded modest advances, further weakening Britain’s traditional two-party dominance.

    Political analysts say voter dissatisfaction over the economy, public services, and the perceived slow pace of reforms contributed to Labour’s losses.

    Starmer admitted public frustration, saying, “People are still frustrated. Their lives aren’t changing fast enough. We haven’t offered enough hope or optimism for the future,” reflecting growing pressure on the party’s leadership following the results.

  • NMCN urges policy support, funding to strengthen private nursing practice

    NMCN urges policy support, funding to strengthen private nursing practice

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has urged stronger policy support, funding, and awareness to promote and regulate private nursing practice nationwide.

    Dr. Emmanuel Udontre, Director of Nursing Education, made the call at the closing session of the NMCN Leaders Conference in Abuja. He warned that persistent gaps between nursing theory and clinical practice continue to undermine service quality, citing deficiencies in knowledge, skills, professional values, and organizational structures.

    Udontre stressed the adoption of digital health solutions — including e-learning, tele-nursing, and artificial intelligence — to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving healthcare environment. He noted that collaboration among stakeholders remains underutilized, limiting integrated, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare delivery.

    He further underscored the need to strengthen safety and security in healthcare environments to protect workers and ensure uninterrupted service. Inadequate translation of research findings into clinical practice, he said, continues to restrict improvements in outcomes.

    “Federal and State Governments, in collaboration with regulatory bodies, should implement the Clinical Partnership/Collaborative model and strengthen linkages between academic institutions and clinical settings to bridge the theory–practice gap,” Udontre stated.

    He called for nursing education to be competency-based, evidence-driven, technology-enabled, and aligned with global best practices. He also urged healthcare institutions, regulators, and professional bodies to enforce standardized, criteria-based quality care, while promoting interprofessional collaboration and professional indemnity insurance.

    Udontre emphasized the importance of national programmes, stakeholder collaboration, healthcare worker protection, and strategic partnerships to improve delivery outcomes.

    The conference, themed “Nursing Education, Research and Practice for Excellent Health Care Delivery in Nigeria: The Position of Nursing Leaders,” brought together nursing leaders, academics, policymakers, and practitioners from across Nigeria and beyond. According to Udontre, the forum provided an opportunity for critical reflection on the state of nursing and the role of leadership in advancing the profession.

  • ‘Nigerians cannot eat GDP,’ ADC slams FG over economic claims

    ‘Nigerians cannot eat GDP,’ ADC slams FG over economic claims

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Federal Government’s celebration of Nigeria’s reported GDP growth, describing it as disconnected from the economic realities facing citizens.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said economic growth figures are meaningless if they do not translate into improved living conditions.

    “People do not eat GDP,” the ADC said, stressing that growth must reflect in lower food prices, job creation, stronger purchasing power, and better livelihoods for ordinary Nigerians.

    The party argued that despite official claims of economic progress, millions of Nigerians continue to grapple with inflation, unemployment, and rising business costs.

    According to the statement, the realities faced by citizens in markets, farms, and households contradict government narratives of recovery, with food prices, transportation costs, and energy expenses placing increasing pressure on families and businesses.

    The ADC warned that celebrating economic statistics without addressing widespread hardship amounts to “economic abstraction disconnected from human reality.”

    It further noted that small businesses are shutting down under the weight of inflation and weak consumer demand, while salaries have lost value and more Nigerians are slipping into poverty.

    The party urged the government to shift focus from “celebrating figures” to implementing policies that deliver measurable improvements in living standards.

    It added that the true test of economic policy lies in whether citizens can live better lives, insisting that growth must be reflected in affordable food, stable electricity, decent jobs, and reduced cost of doing business.

    The ADC maintained that until economic gains are felt at the household level, the government has no basis to declare success in managing the economy.

  • Court orders El-Rufai’s former aide, co-defendant to enter defence in N155m money laundering Trial

    Court orders El-Rufai’s former aide, co-defendant to enter defence in N155m money laundering Trial

    KADUNA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has ordered former Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance and Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, Bashir Mohammed Saidu, and his co-defendant, Ibrahim Murktar, to open their defence in an ongoing N155 million money laundering trial instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

    The ruling followed the dismissal of the defendants’ no-case submissions by Honourable Justice Rilwan Aikawa, who held that the prosecution had established a prima facie case requiring them to respond.

    The Court stated that, based on the totality of evidence presented by the ICPC, the defendants had questions to answer and must therefore enter their defence.

    Saidu and Murktar are facing a four-count charge bordering on money laundering offences under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    According to the prosecution, Murktar, a cashier in the Kaduna State Ministry of Finance at the time, allegedly withdrew N155 million in multiple cash tranches from the Kaduna State Exchange Gain Account.

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), in a statement issued by its Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, alleged that the funds were handed over in cash through a proxy for the benefit of Saidu, in breach of financial regulations.

    The Commission further argued that the transactions, conducted outside the formal banking system, were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.

    During the trial, which commenced after the defendants’ arraignment on January 21, 2025, the prosecution called two witnesses and tendered several exhibits before closing its case.

    In response, the defendants argued that the evidence presented was insufficient to warrant their being called upon to enter a defence.

    However, the court disagreed, holding that the prosecution had adduced sufficient evidence requiring explanation from the defendants.

    The case has been adjourned to June 22, 2026, for the defendants to open their defence.

    Reacting to the ruling, the ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing corruption cases to their logical conclusion and strengthening accountability and transparency in public service.

  • South Africa Parliament’s Health Committee pays tribute to midwives on International Midwives’ Day

    South Africa Parliament’s Health Committee pays tribute to midwives on International Midwives’ Day

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa (NPA) — The Portfolio Committee on Health has paid tribute to midwives across South Africa and the world for their indispensable role in safeguarding mothers and newborns, marking International Midwives’ Day on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

    Committee Chairperson Ms Faith Muthambi, in a statement, described midwives as central to safe childbirth, quality maternal care, and resilient health systems, particularly in underserved communities. “Midwives are more than healthcare providers, they are advocates, educators and trusted caregivers who support women and families through some of life’s most critical moments,” she said.

    This year’s global theme, “One Million More Midwives,” announced by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), highlights the urgent shortage of trained midwives worldwide. The committee noted that well‑supported midwives, integrated into health systems, can significantly improve maternal and newborn outcomes.

    “Investing in midwives is not optional; it is a strategic imperative that reduces preventable deaths, improves primary healthcare and strengthens the quality of services,” Muthambi emphasised.

    Midwives provide comprehensive services including family planning, antenatal and postnatal care, safe deliveries, breastfeeding support, and continuity of care. Yet, many face workforce shortages, resource constraints, and inadequate recognition. The committee stressed the need for increased investment in education and training, supportive policy frameworks, improved working conditions, and fair remuneration.

    Muthambi also acknowledged the resilience of midwives during crises. “Their dedication saves lives and strengthens communities,” she concluded.

  • Matawalle denies bribery allegation by US Lawmaker Kimberly Daniels

    Matawalle denies bribery allegation by US Lawmaker Kimberly Daniels

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, has denied allegations by Florida legislator Kimberly Daniels that he attempted to bribe a United States official to alter the narrative of a report on Christian killings in Nigeria.

    Daniels, a Democratic member of the Florida House of Representatives for District 14, alleged in a viral video posted on her official Facebook account that Matawalle offered money to influence the findings of the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN‑WCD). “A US elected official was offered money by Nigeria’s minister of state defense, Bello Matawalle, to change the narrative of the UN‑WCD Christian genocide in Nigeria report,” she claimed.

    She has previously called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove Matawalle, accusing him of complicity in violence in Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, and other states. The allegation surfaced publicly on 21 April 2026, coinciding with renewed international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security challenges.

    In response, Matawalle’s office issued a statement on 22 April through Ahmad Dan‑Wudil, his Personal Assistant on Media. The statement dismissed the claims as false and malicious. “It must be stated unequivocally that the Honourable Minister has never engaged in, nor would he ever condone, any act of bribery or misconduct. The allegations in question are nothing but baseless, misleading and do not reflect the conduct or record of the Honourable Minister,” it said.

    The Defence Ministry stressed that Matawalle remains focused on his responsibilities and will not be distracted by what it described as campaigns of lies and calumny. “The public is therefore advised to disregard these misleading reports and unsubstantiated claims,” the statement concluded.

    Matawalle reaffirmed his commitment to discharging his duties with diligence, integrity, and dedication to national service, insisting that the allegations are devoid of credibility and aimed at tarnishing his reputation.

  • Iran rules out further talks with U.S. amid Strait of Hormuz tensions

    Iran rules out further talks with U.S. amid Strait of Hormuz tensions

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — The war in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran shows no sign of easing, as Tehran has dismissed prospects for renewed negotiations with Washington.

    Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, stated that Tehran has “no plan” for another round of talks with the U.S., adding, “If the U.S. sends a team to Islamabad, that is a matter that concerns them.” His remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American envoys were en route to Islamabad to continue discussions aimed at ending the conflict.

    Baqaei stressed that Iran would not accept deadlines or ultimatums, reiterating that its “red lines” remain unchanged. He further clarified that the issue of transferring Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles abroad was “never raised” and is “not on the agenda.”

    The spokesperson also criticized U.S. actions, describing the ongoing naval blockade as a violation of the ceasefire. He accused Washington of making “unreasonable demands” and insisted that progress depends on “good faith” from the American side.

    Tensions have escalated following Iran’s decision to reimpose the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which the U.S. condemned as a breach of prior agreements. In response, President Trump warned of “devastating consequences” should Iran persist with the blockade.

    Analysts note that uncertainty over the Islamabad Talks and mutual accusations of violations have left the conflict at risk of further escalation, with trust between the two sides at a low point.

  • Scheduled Site Maintenance: Newpost Africa Service Restored Shortly

    Scheduled Site Maintenance: Newpost Africa Service Restored Shortly

    15 April 2026

    Dear Esteemed Newpost Africa Reader,

    We wish to notify you that scheduled site maintenance and upgrades are currently ongoing. During this period, access to our news service may be temporarily unavailable.

    The service will be fully restored within a few hours once the exercise is completed. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve your experience.

    Thank you for staying with Newpost Africa.

  • South Africa strengthens HIV prevention with Lenacapavir

    South Africa strengthens HIV prevention with Lenacapavir

    PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, 8 April 2026 (NPA) — The South African Government has received its first consignment of 37,920 doses of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting injectable that offers up to six months of protection against HIV with just two injections per year.

    This milestone marks a significant advance in the country’s HIV response, expanding prevention options particularly for adolescent girls, young women, sex workers, and men who have sex with men. The introduction of Lenacapavir is expected to accelerate efforts to reduce new HIV infections and support South Africa’s goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

    Lenacapavir is not a vaccine but a long-acting HIV prevention medicine. Administered twice yearly, it provides continuous protection and offers a convenient alternative for individuals who face challenges with existing prevention methods.

    The Government emphasised that the rollout of Lenacapavir strengthens its integrated, people-centred approach to HIV prevention. The six-monthly injectable is expected to improve adherence and expand choices for high-risk populations.

    An official launch will be announced in the coming weeks, including details of a phased implementation plan to ensure effective and equitable distribution across the country.