In a move aimed at easing growing tensions between Nigeria and South Africa over recent xenophobic attacks on foreigners, including Nigerians, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has commenced diplomatic engagements with South African authorities.

Obi, who arrived in South Africa on Friday for an international conference, said he seized the opportunity to meet with Nigerians residing in Cape Town to gain firsthand insight into the challenges they face.

In a statement shared via his X account on Saturday, the former Anambra State governor disclosed that he later held talks with three South African ministers and leaders of political parties on issues relating to immigration, regional cooperation and peaceful coexistence between citizens of both countries.

According to him, the discussions centred on the rising tensions involving African foreigners in South Africa, as well as wider concerns surrounding migration, unemployment, economic hardship and security challenges.

Obi said he met with Leon Schreiber, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs and a prominent member of the Democratic Alliance; Velenkosini Hlabisa, leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP); and Gayton McKenzie, who also leads the Patriotic Alliance (PA).

He described the talks as “open and productive,” noting that both sides emphasised the need for responsible leadership and peaceful engagement in resolving grievances.

Obi stated: “After speaking with Nigerians in Cape Town yesterday, I had constructive discussions this morning with three South African ministers and political party leaders concerning the ongoing issues related to immigration, regional collaboration, and promoting peaceful coexistence between our nations.”

He added that the discussions centred on “the pressing issues impacting both countries — especially those concerning migration, economic difficulties, youth unemployment, security challenges, and the growing tensions faced by African foreigners in South Africa.”

The former Anambra State governor stressed that Nigeria and South Africa must deepen cooperation and sustain dialogue in order to strengthen relations and safeguard the rights and dignity of Africans across the continent.

“I strongly believe that Nigeria and South Africa, both significant nations on the continent, must enhance dialogue, increase cooperation, and pursue solutions rooted in justice, mutual respect, and adherence to the rule of law,” Obi said.

He further urged leaders and citizens of both countries to avoid violence, hate and provocation, insisting that disputes should be resolved through constitutional and democratic means.

“In these difficult times, both leaders and citizens need to exhibit responsible leadership, show compassion, and exercise restraint,” he stated.

“We collectively emphasised the need for law-abiding behaviour, the importance of avoiding violence, resisting hate or provocation, and allowing lawful institutions to handle grievances through democratic and constitutional means, regardless of the challenges we encounter.”

Obi also underscored the importance of African unity and economic inclusion, saying the continent’s future depends on cooperation and respect for human dignity.

“The future of Africa relies on our capacity to foster unity, promote economic inclusivity, invest in our communities, and uphold the dignity of every African, regardless of their location,” he added.

The Paramount Ruler of Iwoland,  HIM Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi,  has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Prof. Segun Aina as the registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The monarch noted that the commendation became necessary because of the intimidating profile and career accomplishments of the new registrar.  He expressed further gratitude to the president for engaging the youth in running the affairs of the nation.

This was disclosed in a statement through Oluwo’s Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem.

Oluwo, while congratulating the new registrar, described his appointment as sustenance of the integrity and credibility his predecessor, Prof. Isiaq Oloyede, symbolises.

Oluwo stated that the JAMB administration has been sanitised by Oloyede.

Oba Akanbi expressed hope in the ability of the new JAMB registrar to improve the status and tempo of quality management built by Oloyede.

Part of the statement reads,  “I specially commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the appointment of Prof. Segun Aina as the new registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. His appointment is a reflection of Tinubu’s commitment to identify and involve young and promising talents in his administration”

“Having read his profile and considering his family background with unquestionable records, Segun Aina will undoubtedly improve the tempo of trust and credibility built by his predecessor, Prof. Isiaq Oloyede.

“I congratulate Prof. Segun Aina on this meritorious appointment.  I pray Olodumare (God) will lead him through to lead the board constructively.”

A new jab to prevent HIV has been launched in Calabar, Cross River  State.

The injection, Lenacapavir, unlike daily oral medications, provides a long-acting preventive option administered twice yearly, improving adherence, privacy and convenience for vulnerable persons at risk of HIV infection.

Prevention remained safer and more cost-effective than treatment.

While the new injection prevents HIV, it is neither a cure for HIV nor a vaccine.

It is meant for HIV-negative people who want protection against infection, and the injection is usually administered by healthcare professionals every six months.

In Nigeria, the rollout has already begun in states, including in eight states, including the FCT.

The Cross River State Government has launched the Lenacapavir Injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).

The launch happened at the General Hospital Calabar, marking a major step as efforts to curb new HIV infections and improve public health outcomes continue.

Speaking during the launch on Monday, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Jonah Offor, described the initiative as a significant milestone in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.

He said Cross River was among only eight states selected for the pilot phase of the intervention, adding that the introduction of Lenacapavir reflects the commitment of the administration of Bassey Otu to innovative and people-centred healthcare delivery.

  Programme Manager of the Cross River State AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme, Mary-Treasure Amah, describes Lenacapavir as a “game changer”, the power of science meeting the needs of people in HIV prevention strategies in Nigeria.

She explained that the injectable PrEP would reduce stigma, lessen pill burden and expand prevention choices, especially for adolescents, young people and key populations, while cautioning that the intervention should not be misconstrued as promoting promiscuity since it does not prevent pregnancy or other sexually transmitted infections.

 According to Mary-Treasure Amah, facilities selected for the pilot rollout of the Lenacapavir PrEP injection in Cross River State include the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, General Hospital Calabar, General Hospital Akamkpa, General Hospital Ugep, Cottage Hospital Akpet in Biase Local Government Area, and the One-Stop Shop (OSS) in Bakassi.

 The Cross River State Coordinator of the World Health Organisation, Dr. Yewande Olatunde, described the initiative as a strategic approach to reducing HIV prevalence, noting that Africa still bears about 65 per cent of the global HIV burden.

She urged implementers in the state to ensure proper data management and effective deployment of the intervention to justify Cross River’s inclusion among the pilot states.

 Meanwhile,  Director General of the Cross River State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA), Dr Charles Iwara, disclosed that the Global Fund strongly backed Cross River’s inclusion among the eight pilot states because of its commitment to HIV response programmes.

He noted that research had shown that Lenacapavir could provide up to 99 per cent protection against HIV infection when used as preventive therapy, warning against the sale of the drug since it is meant to be administered free of charge to eligible persons.

The National Clinical Mentor for Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, Dr. Harrison Babia described Lenacapavir as a major breakthrough because of its ease of administration and reduced complications compared to oral PrEP, adding that the success of the pilot phase would determine expansion to other states.

 On his part, the Cross River State Programme Manager of the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), Dr. Joe Umana, stressed the need for proper follow-up, documentation and monitoring of recipients, especially pregnant and breastfeeding women targeted under the intervention.

Delivering goodwill messages, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Nursing, Coco-Bassey Esu, pledged support for statewide sensitisation and awareness campaigns, while other development partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Cross River State in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

 Representing the traditional institution, HRH Muri Archibong Ika Archibong pledged the support of royal fathers and traditional medicine practitioners toward promoting awareness and combating misconceptions surrounding HIV/AIDS, noting that prevention remained the best approach to disease control.