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Nigerian COVID-19 Survivor Shares Experience

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COVID-19 Test

Thirty-five-year old Salihu Umar was diagnosed with COVID-19 after returning from a six-day trip to London in March 2020.

Although asymptomatic, he tested positive and underwent treatment. Having recovered and back with his family in the Nigerian capital Abuja, the father of three stresses the importance of getting tested especially after having travelled to an area affected by the virus.

“I initially did not show any symptoms. Knowing fully well about the guidelines for people who travelled to high risk areas like the UK, I self-isolated for a day and decided to get in touch with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to take the COVID-19 test to be on the safe side.

“Health officials showed up … they promised to get back to me the next day or later that same day.  It however took three days to get a response from them. (Days later) I got a call from a doctor who introduced herself as an NCDC official. She broke the unfortunate news that my result turned out positive. She added that they need to take another sample to rerun the test for confirmation. I could not believe her as I was not showing any symptoms. At some point I felt it was a mistake, but I couldn’t do anything to prove them wrong as that’s the only place that runs the tests.

“In a few minutes, NCDC officials picked me from my house to Gwagwalada isolation centre. Upon arrival, I was examined by a doctor and placed on some medications. The doctors gave me some counselling and assured me of their commitment to making sure we make it out of the isolation centre healthy. The doctor added that even though I was asymptomatic, I still needed to commence treatment as soon as possible.

“I had mixed feelings, especially knowing that the disease has no cure and the number of people the virus kills every day.

“It was quite depressing, being confined in a facility away from family and friends. It was the first time I was in that kind of situation. I was always (up and about) and suddenly I couldn’t move. From face timing (online chatting) with my family to tweeting and linking up with friends to sending emails. There was no time my kids missed me for one day. We were always connected.

“A week into my isolation, another sample was taken to see how I was progressing. Unfortunately, it still came back positive. At that point I was losing hope for survival. The doctors assured me of my progress, saying I was doing well…

“Lo and behold, another sample was taken on the twelfth day of isolation and it came out negative. Another one was taken after a few days and was still negative. I was free to go but was advised to self-isolate for one more week to ensure full recuperation and completion of the drugs which I did and finally finish without showing any more symptoms. That was the last time I heard from NCDC.

“I’m so grateful to the NCDC, World Health Organization and all the doctors and the nurses in Nigeria who risked their lives to save my life.

“For those battling COVID-19, I want you to know that this disease is not a death sentence. Never succumb to fear.

“As for other people hiding their travel history and symptoms for fear of social stigma, you can do better. Let us fight this together. Do the necessary. Go get tested.”

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Benisheikh Borno Attack: Tinubu Urges Nigerians, Media to Stand With Military

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Tinubu Türkiye

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians and the media to stand with the military to end terrorism in the country.

In a statement issued on Thursday night to mourn the loss of soldiers of the 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation HADIN KAI in Benisheikh, Borno State, in the early hours of today, Mr Tinubu “expressed deep sadness” over the incident.

Some Boko Haram terrorists had launched a coordinated terrorist attack on the military camp, killing Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah and others.

While praising the courage and heroism of the dead soldiers, the President urged the leadership of the Armed Forces and all soldiers on the frontline not to be discouraged, but to draw strength from the nation’s deep appreciation for their sacrifices.

“From the reports I have received, our armed forces have been conducting sustained, intense land and air offensives against the insurgents, neutralising many of their fighters and commanders. The insurgents’ counterattack is a sign of desperation.

“I extend my condolences to the families of our gallant soldiers, led by Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of our country today in Borno State. The government will never forget their sacrifices. Their sacrifices will not be in vain. Because of the courage and dedication of our troops on the frontline, our resolve to defeat terrorism and all forms of violence across Nigeria is stronger than ever.

“I urge the military high command and our troops in all theatres of operation: Do not lose heart, do not be weary, do not be discouraged. Our officers and men should continue to serve with honour, courage, and patriotism. The government will always stand by the Armed Forces, provide more of the equipment needed and ensure the welfare of all who risk their lives for our safety.

“I urge Nigerians and the media to continue to support our military in their relentless battle against insurgency and banditry. We should desist from celebrating or condoning the attacks against our troops. These soldiers are our heroes; unforgettable and irreplaceable.

“My condolences also go to the government and people of Borno State. The federal government will continue to work with the state government to achieve total victory and lasting peace,” Mr Tinubu was quoted as saying in the statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

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Security Alert: US Cancels Visa Appointments at Abuja Embassy

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US Embassy Abuja Visa Appointments

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Visa appointments at the United States of America (USA) embassy in Abuja have been cancelled.

This is coming a day after America directed its officials to leave the facility “due to the deteriorating security situation” in the capital city of Nigeria.

On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, “The Department of State authorised non-emergency US government employees and US government employee family members to leave the US Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation.

“The overall Travel Advisory for Nigeria is Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Some specific states are at Level 4: Do Not Travel.”

The next day, the US Embassy in Abuja announced the cancellation of “visa appointments,” urging applicants to “check their email for details on rescheduled appointments.”

However, it noted that, “Visa operations at US Consulate General Lagos continue. American citizen services are available in emergencies and by appointment.”

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Dominion City Camp Meeting 2026 Participants Highlight Deep Spiritual Encounters, Others

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By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The Global Camp Meeting 2026, organised by Dominion City under the theme, Redigging the Wells of Our Fathers, left a lasting impact on attendees.

The six-day international conference ended with waves of miracles, revival, and life-changing testimonies, Business Post gathered.

From the onset, the atmosphere of the gathering was marked by deep spiritual intensity, with participants reporting life-changing experiences.

The first night of the Night of Glory witnessed remarkable miracles, including the deliverance of a 14-year-old girl from a seven-year struggle with pornography, healing from cancer, restoration from partial blindness and deafness, and recovery from heart and severe skin infections.

In addition, several children were reported to have been baptised in the Holy Spirit, with many seen praying in tongues, a development that further underscored the depth of the spiritual impact across all age groups.

Beyond these, numerous testimonies poured in from participants across different locations. Chinecherem S. shared how he arrived at the Enugu camp meeting on crutches due to a bone fracture but left completely healed, able to walk, run, and jump freely.

Similarly, Faith from Lagos testified to being healed of a fibroid, noting that a previously noticeable lump in her abdomen had completely disappeared.

Blessing recounted a profound encounter during a teaching on The Cross, which led to her deliverance from hard drug use and prostitution, describing it as a turning point in her life.

International participants were not left out, as Ella M. from Namibia described the teachings as “uncompromising truth,” while Boikanyo M. from Botswana testified to experiencing God’s power remotely, expressing belief in an impending revival in her nation.

These are a few of the overwhelming testimonies of miracles, salvation, deliverance, and spiritual renewal experienced at the event, which drew over 60,000 in-person participants and millions of online viewers worldwide.

For many, the impact extended beyond physical healing to clarity of purpose and commitment. Peter B. from Lagos shared that he received a clear sense of his calling to disciple others and rededicated his life to fulfilling God’s purpose, adding that he also experienced deliverance during a baptism session.

The meeting also featured ministrations from Dr David Ogbueli and other global ministers, who emphasised moral renewal, spiritual growth, and leadership development.

Participants were equipped not only spiritually but also through sessions addressing innovation, career growth, and societal impact.

Organisers noted that the conference also contributed to local economic activity while providing free transportation and medical services to attendees.

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