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Health

Ex-minister task stakeholders on devt of health sector

Ex-minister task stakeholders on devt of health sector
By Talatu Maiwada
Healthcare
Abuja, June 20, 2019 (NAN) Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, a former Minister of Health, has urged stakeholders in the health sector to make concerted efforts at improving healthcare development in the country.
Onyebuchi said this at the official launch and public presentation of a book titled “Basics of Health Financing in a Developing Economy’’ on Thursday in Abuja.
While appreciating the author of the book Prof. Uchenne Ewelike, a Public Health Physician and Health Economist, Onyebuchi said health financing has been a challenge to the development of health sector.
Ewelike, who wrote the forward of the book, commended the author for helping to fill a yawning gap in the availability of literature in health financing that addresses the peculiar needs of developing countries.
He said: “Health policy makers, planning and budget officials, medical and health practitioners, legislators and health maintenance organisations, among others, will find the book stimulating, inspiring, educative and enlightening.’’
He added that the book was timely and would help improve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the country.
The author, a Public Health Physician and Health Economist with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), said the book would help in implementing the UHC agenda for Nigeria.
“There is a gap that needs to be filled in terms of health financing in Nigeria and for us to drive towards UHC, there has to be evidence base and knowledge base.
“I decided to fill the gap of knowledge because there is a lot of knowledge deficit in health financing in the country.
“It would also help in UHC agenda for Nigeria because it is built on quality of care and sustainable development which is one basic thing the book tries to explain.
“The book is a product of deep thought on how best to contribute to the society to enhance economic growth and development since evidences abound on a strong positive correlation between health and development.
“I am a strong believer on `knowledge not shared is wasted’ thus I thought , I dreamt and I finally decided to put it down on papers, today it is a book and tomorrow it could be a movement.,’’ he said.
Ewelike further stressed the need for developing countries to be resilient and take up the challenge of financing the health sector, noting that donors and developing partners are getting fatigued.
He added that the 10-chapter book have set a knowledge base agenda on the journey towards UHC, where no one would be left without a prepayment mechanism that guarantees access to quality healthcare.
“Health is a fundamental human right but access to quality healthcare is not in many developing economies including Nigeria.
“It is therefore a duty for us all, to work towards social health inclusiveness where both the rich and poor are happy and protected.
“A health financing model designed or reformed for all that is built on risk protection should be the focus, in order to have a prosperous and healthy population.
The book reviewer, Dr Nneka Orji, Health Economist, with the Healthcare Finance Branch, Federal Ministry of Health, said the book was a huge knowledge product for the country.
Orji stated that the book has demystified the key concepts of UHC and health financing which would be of immense help to students and practitioners of health financing, decision makers and the general public.
She added that this was one of the first health financing books to be launched in the country, noting that it is a global paradigm which Nigeria have adopted. (NAN)
TIM/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Defence/Security

FRSC advocates use of bicycles for healthy life, friendly environment

FRSC advocates use of bicycles for healthy life, friendly environment
By Deborah Coker
Bicycles
Benin, June 3, 2019 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has advised Nigerians to adopt the use of bicycles to achieve healthy lives and foster friendly environment in the country.
The FRSC Sector Commander in Edo, Mr Anthony Oko, gave the advice on Monday in Benin at the flag off of activities to mark the second edition of the United Nations (UN) World Bicycle Day in the state.
Oko said that the advantages of bicycle as a means of transportation were numerous.
He said that aside the fact that riding bicycle helps improves one’s physical fitness, “the process also boosts one’s health, environment friendly, affordable and reliable”.
He said that it was in view of this that stakeholders were encouraged to advance the use of bicycles to foster sustainable development, promotion of health, strengthening of education and prevention of diseases.
Other advantages include improving mutual understanding, facilitation of social inclusion and culture of peace, he said.
He stressed that the corps, desirous of achieving its mandate, came up with strategies and initiatives aimed at actualising the Vision 20:20:20 of making the country one of the safest nations in the world, hence the theme “Cycling for a Healthy Life Style’’.
Oko also said that it was in view of this that the corps acceded to the UN convention on road safety and resolution, which is being marked as World Bicycle Day annually on June 3.
The sector commander said the day was to acknowledge the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle which had been in use for about two centuries.
He said this initiative underscores the need for government to either develop or modify existing policies, provide road infrastructure and other systems to sustain and make cycling safe and attractive in cities.
Oko underscored the need for collaboration between the FRSC and Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN) to make the riding of bicycle trendier while other stakeholders were encouraged to sustain the awareness for the good of the country. (NAN)
DCO/KOO/MST
Editing by Kevin Okunzuwa/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Politics

Development: Nasarawa Speaker wants new lawmakers to support incoming executive

Development: Nasarawa Speaker wants new lawmakers to support incoming executive
By Awayi Kuje
Training
Keffi (Nasarawa State), May 2, 2019 (NAN) The Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, has called on members-elect of the state legislature to work in harmony with the incoming administration in the interest of peace and development.
Abdullahi made appeal in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by his Press Secretary, Mr Jibrin Gwamna, in Keffi on Thursday.
The statement said the speaker made the call while declaring open a four-day workshop organised for returning and newly elected members and other staff of the state assembly in Jos Plateau.
The theme of the training is: “Legislative practice and procedures”.
Abdullahi in the statement said that cordial working relationship between the executive and legislature would not only promote peace but would bring the much touted dividends of democracy to the people.
“Working in harmony with the executive arm will not only promote peace across the state but will also bring the much needed dividends of democracy to the door steps of our people that we are representing.
“Both the executive and the legislature need each other as arms of a government and they should be seen working together if the state must grow,” the statement said.
According to him, the people of the state are expect more vigorous and robust legislative proceedings from the returning and new members when inaugurated for the progress of the state.
Abdullahi urged the participants to take the training with seriousness in order to contribute their quota to the development of their constituencies, the state and the country at large.
The speaker further urged his colleagues to be good ambassadors of the state while in Jos, assuring the people of the state of the assembly’s readiness to continue to enact laws and pass resolutions that would have direct bearing on their lives.
According to the statement, the workshop featured different paper presentations by legislative stakeholders and other professionals. (NAN)
AKW/ECN/MST
Edited by Emmanuel Nwoye/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Malnutrition: Major enemy of child’s physical, cognitive devt -Expert

Malnutrition: Major enemy of child’s physical, cognitive devt -Expert
By Talatu Maiwada
Malnutrition
Abuja, Nov. 3, 2018 (NAN) Ms Oluwatosin Akomolafe, Knowledge Management Advisor with Save the Children, an NGO, has identified malnutrition as a major enemy of a child’s physical and cognitive development.
Akomolafe told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja that if children do not receive adequate nutrition they could become stunted and susceptible to infections.
She said that the first 1,000 days of a child’s life provided an opportunity to chart the course of a child’s life, both in physical and cognitive development.
“ The first 1,000 days, which is a period between conception and the second birthday, is crucial and provides a window to chart every child’s life development.
“Outside of this window, any damage to the child’s physical and cognitive development is irreversible; they become stunted and susceptible to infections in childhood.
“They can suffer malnutrition which can be under-nutrition, over-nutrition or micro-nutrition and are also more likely to suffer chronic diseases such as heart diseases and obesity in their adulthood,’’ Akomolafe said.
She said that an undernourished child would get sucked into a vicious cycle of under-nutrition; they become stunted adolescent with poor cognitive development and under-perform in school.
According to her, as an adult, a stunted individual will be two per cent to 2.4 per cent less productive than their peers, and consequently earn less income, losing cumulatively at least 10 per cent of their lifetime earnings.
The knowledge management adviser said that a stunted adult female, was also likely to give birth to an underweight child, thereby entrenching a vicious cycle of malnutrition.
Akomolafe noted that malnutrition had a wider and long-term impact on the society and on individuals, adding that it had also been found to have economic and social cost on the society.
“Globally, about 155 million children under the age of five suffer from stunting with a high burden of stunted children in sub-Sahara Africa.
“In Nigeria, the prevalence of stunting is 44 per cent with about six million children stunted, therefore, the first 1,000 days is the critical period for both economic and cognitive deficits,’’ she said.
Akomolafe said that determinants of under-nutrition in children included poverty, food and nutrition insecurity, access to care and environment.
She said the Child Development Grant Programme (CDGP), which the NGO is currently spearheading, was aimed at tackling poverty and hunger as well as reducing malnutrition in children under-five years of age.
Akomolafe said the programme also targeted pregnant women from the moment pregnancy was confirmed until the child reaches two years of age. (NAN)
TIM/COF/MST
Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

NGO to promote professional devt, career advancement of women

NGO to promote professional devt, career advancement of women
By Talatu Maiwada
Women
Abuja, Oct. 27, 2018 (NAN) Ms Inimfon Etuk, Founder `SHE Forum Africa’, a pan-African Non-Governmental Organisation, said the organisation has concluded plans to promote professional development and career advancement among women in Africa.

Etuk disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja ahead of 2018, 5th edition of `SHE Forum Africa’ conference, with theme `It is Possible’.

She said the pan-Africa Women Development, Leadership and Lifestyle Conference scheduled to hold on Nov. 6 aims to amplify personal development opportunities for African women through strategic mentoring.

“The conference aims at women reorganising and realigning their strategies and policies to building a better and brighter Africa while providing a platform for a shift in value system as it impacts women.

“It will also connect women of vision and passion with opportunities and resource to enable them step up and stand out.

“ We encourage every gender-friendly organisation to be part of this life-enhancing experience, Africa is rising and so are the women of Africa,’’ she said.

Etuk said the event would feature diverse and foremost recognised speakers, accomplished and aspiring women role models, as well as interesting sessions for small-group dialogue and individual network.

She added that the edition would bring together some Africa’s brightest and influential female voices, among highly motivated conference attendees. (NAN)
TIM/ACO/MST
Edited by Abiodun Oluloye/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Foreign

AGF, ACP-EU to launch $12m credit guarantee on minerals devt in Nigeria

AGF, ACP-EU to launch $12m credit guarantee on minerals devt in Nigeria
By Isaac Aregbesola
Minerals
Abuja, Oct. 26, 2018 (NAN) African Guarantee Fund (AGF) for small and medium-sized enterprises and the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme will on Oct. 29 launch 12 million dollars credit guarantee partnership on Inclusive Financing of Development Minerals in Nigeria.
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) Communication Expert in Nigeria, Mr Lucky Mosunda, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, said that the programme would be launched in Lagos.
The scheme he said was to develop the solid minerals sector to enhance the economic diversification efforts of Nigerian government.
“The economic outlook in Nigeria is positive with a projected growth rate of 2.1 per cent in 2018 and 2.5 per cent in 2019.
“A deliberate move to diversify the country’s economy away from oil has seen greater attention paid to solid minerals, which are expected to play a pivotal role in the infrastructure, construction, manufacturing, agriculture and housing sectors.
“Majority of the solid minerals such as industrial minerals, like gypsum and salt, construction materials like gravel, sand and limestone, are referred to as Development Minerals.
“Others are dimension stones like as marble and granite, and semi-precious stones like tourmaline and garnet,” he said.
According to him, development minerals are minerals and materials that are mined, processed and utilised locally, and are crucial for improved livelihoods, employment creation, local, national and regional development all of which catalyse transformative inclusive development.
“They nurture home-grown jobs, especially those of youth and women, and boost local enterprise development.
“Key sectors driving demand for development minerals in Lagos State include the construction and housing sectors as well the infrastructure and transport sectors,” he said.
According to him, despite the large presence of diverse development minerals, many of them remained largely unexploited, partly due to lack of financing for SMEs operating in the sector.
He said African Caribbean Pacific-European Union (ACP-EU) Development Minerals Programme in 2017 announced a 12 million dollars Memorandum of Understanding with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to provide credit guarantee facilities to financial institutions.
“The financial institutions are grant loans to Small and Medium Enterprises operating in the Development Minerals sector in Nigeria, Uganda, Cameroon, Guinea (Conakry) and Zambia.
“In Nigeria, this partnership will be formally launched by dignitaries from the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, the Ministry of Finance, Central Bank of Nigeria, European Union, UNDP and the AGF,” he said.
He said that about 40 financial institutions representatives were expected to attend the event. (NAN)
IAA/GOM/MST
Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

National devt: NCWS tasks women on unity

National devt: NCWS tasks women on unity
By Dorcas Jonah
Women
Abuja, Sept. 7, 2018 (NAN) The National President, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Mrs Gloria Shoda, on Friday advised Nigerian women to be united for the development of the country.
Shoda gave the advised in Abuja at the 60th Anniversary of the council and National Summit on Sustainable Development Goals with the theme: The change Leadership and Gender Balance.
“Let me remind Nigerian women that the cloud of slur and neglect of implementation of gender affirmative agreements and treaties are disruptive war fares made to dis-empower and entrap us perpetually on the disadvantage end.
“We must use whatever positions we find ourselves to refine our positive acumen, heritage of skills, tenacity and ability to recreate the obvious image of servitude in every woman.
“We must, very strongly desist from showing scant regard for each other and conspiring against ourselves,’’ she said.
Shoda said that the council would continue to speak loud on issues of conflict resolution among women.
She said the council was also calling for a bill for an act to amend the Federal Character Commission to give married women the option choice of preferred indigeneship.
Earlier, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari, on Sustainable Development Goals said Nigeria was committed to gender concerns.
She said concerted efforts must be made to ensure gender equality and women empowerment are at the centre stage of development in order to advance the Agenda 2030. (NAN)
DE/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

National devt: NPopC harps on reliable demographic data

National devt: NPopC harps on reliable demographic data
By Chinenye Offor
Data
Saminaka (Kaduna State), July 19, 2018 (NAN) The Chairman of National Population Commission (NPopC), Chief Eze Duruiheoma, has said that effective management of the country’s population for development planning would be realised through accurate and reliable demographic data.
Duruiheoma, represented by Mr Benedict Ukpong, the Federal Commissioner, Akwa Ibom, said this on Thursday at the opening of the training for fieldwork functionaries for 2018 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) at Saminaka, Kaduna State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop marks the commencement of the data collection from Aug. 15 through Dec. 15.
According to him, the 2018 NDHS is part of the world wide surveys conducted periodically in countries.
He noted that the 2018 NDHS would be the sixth survey to be conducted in Nigeria since 1990, saying that the national sample survey was designed to provide data for monitoring the population as well as health situation in the country.
He also mentioned that the 2018 NDHS would complement existing demographic data in providing relevant, detailed and up-to-date information for planning purposes.
According to him, it will also produce the necessary dataset that will make positive contributions to the change agenda and Economic Recovery Growth Programme (ERGP) of the present administration as it relates to healthcare delivery, human capital development and SDGs achievement.
Duruiheoma explained that the specific objective for the survey was to provide up-to-date information and reliable estimates of fertility levels, preferences, awareness and use of family planning methods.
He added that it would help with the information on breastfeeding practices, nutritional status of mothers and young children, early childhood mortality and maternal and child health.
Besides, the chairman said that it would help in knowing the knowledge and behaviour regarding HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), female genital cutting, fistula and domestic violence.
He further said that the 2018 NDHS would help in providing estimate of sickle cell disease, as well as anaemia and malaria prevalence among children age 6-59 months and adults.
He stated that listing of households had been carried in each of the 1,400 selected Enumeration Areas (EAs) with a representative sample of approximately 42,000 households selected for the survey.
Duruiheoma said that one third of 14,000 households were selected for malaria, anaemia and genotype testing for children 6-59 months.
He also said that all women 15-49 and men 15-59 who were permanent residents of the selected households or visitors who stayed in the household the night before the survey would be eligible to be interviewed.
Duruiheoma, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to cooperate with the interviewers and assured of total confidentiality on information provided by the respondents.
He thanked development partners, including USAID, DFID, BMGF and ICF International, for their consistent support to the conduct of NDHS in Nigeria.
The Minister of Health, Prof. Issac Adewole, noted that whatever information NPopC generated at the end of the survey would be a reference point for the ministry and international communities.
Represented by Dr Emmanuel Meribole, Director, Planning and Research in the Federal Ministry of Health, Adewole enjoined the field workers to obey the procedures of collecting data.
He described the survey as a national and international assignment. (NAN)
CSO/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Engage in peace, developmental campaign issues, monarch urges Politicians

Campaigns: Monarch task politicians on peace, devt issues
NAN-HG-3
Politics
By Awayi Kuje
Akun (Nasarawa State), Jan. 8, 2018 (NAN) Ahead of 2019 electioneering, Alhaji Usman Umbugadu, a second class traditional ruler in Nasarawa State, has urged politicians to engage in issue based campaign for national development.
Umbugadu made the call on Monday in his palace at Akun while receiving Dr James Angbazo, an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in the state.
He enjoined politicians to canvass votes based on issues in the interest of peace and for the socio-economic development.
The Aren Akun advised politicians and other political office holders to engage in politics of positive issues, devoid of bitterness and rancour.
Umbagadu wished the aspirant well in his political ambition.
“My duty here is to bless and wish you well in your political carrier and urge you and other politicians to always engage in politics of issues based campaign in order to promote peace and development in the country.
“Because peace is priceless, non-negotiable and is the necessary requirement for the development of any country,” he said.
Besides, he advised Nigerians to live in peace with one another irrespective of their ethnic, religion and political affiliations for the overall development of the country.
The monarch also advised youths not to allow any politician to use them in fomenting trouble in the society.
He urged youths to always engage in meaningful ventures in order to become self reliant and to contribute their quota to the development of the society.
Earlier, Angbazo said that he was at the palace to seek the royal blessings and prayers to enable him succeed in his political ambition
“I am here to seek your royal blessings and prayers and to seek God’s intervention to enable me succeed in my desire to vie and win the governorship position of the state come 2019,” he said.
Angbazo assured the monarch and the people of the state of his readiness to initiate positive policies and programmes that have direct bearing on the lives of the people of the state, if given the mandate. (NAN)
AKW/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

APC tasks Nasarawa legislators on devt

APC tasks Nasarawa legislators on devt
NAN-H-10
Development
By Awayi Kuje
Umaisha (Nasarawa State), Jan. 1, 2018 (NAN) The Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, Mr Phillips Shekwo, has called on the state legislators to emulate their Speaker, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, on attracting development to the state.

Shekwo made the call on Monday in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Umaisha after the speaker empowered his constituents with economic materials and scholarship grant worth N15 million.

The chairman said that if other members of the house emulate the speaker gesture by embarking on projects that have direct bearing on the lives of their constituents, it would go a long way in not only improving on the standard of living of their constituents but would also boost the party.

“I also want you (Speaker) to give part of your heart to your members in different constituencies in the House of Assembly, let them follow your foot step for the development of their constituencies and the state at large.

“Give them part of your heart so that they can follow your foot steps because doing that will promote this party and the people will appreciate what this party is doing,” he said.

Shekwo appreciated the projects embarked upon by the speaker which have direct bearing on the lives of his constituents, the state and called for its sustenance.

He also urged the beneficiaries to use the items for the purpose it was meant for in order to improve on their standard of living.

Besides, the chairman called on the people of the state and Nigerians to support and pray for Gov. Tanko Al-Makura, President Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders to enable them succeed in initiating people oriented projects in the country, adding that prayer is key to the success of every individual and government.

He added that sustained prayers by the adherents of the two major religions would definitely assist the president, the governor and other leaders to overcome both economic and security challenges facing the country.

Shekwo also urged the people of the state and Nigerians to be law abiding, respect constituted authorities, shun negative tendencies, live in peace and tolerate one another irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliation.

NAN reports that the Speaker distributed N20,000 cash each to 100 students; N30,000 cash each to 100 women; 65 sewing machines; 12 refrigerators; 12 generating sets and over 700 wrappers to women in his constituency. (NAN)
AKW/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola