Lagos launches a state-wide campaign for hypertension and diabetes screening.

To tackle the health challenges confronted by Lagos residents, The State Government has launched a state-wide screening and public enlightenment campaign on hypertension and diabetes.

The health campaign is tagged, “Know Your Numbers and Control Your Numbers”.

The campaign will run from Oct. 28 to Nov. 2 at the state’s 300 primary healthcare centers and 30 general hospitals.

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, announced this at a press conference in Alausa, Ikeja, area of Lagos.

Prof. Abayomi explained that the campaign was a brainchild of the Nigerian Governors Forum to raise awareness and provide free screening for hypertension and diabetes, two leading non-communicable diseases.

According to him, “Today, we bring to you a very important public awareness campaign courtesy of the Nigerian Governors Forum and Nigeria’s Health Commissioners Forum.

” It is tagged Know Your Numbers, Control Your Numbers. It is happening simultaneously across Nigeria.

He explained that the states will measure the blood pressure and sugar levels of 10 million Nigerians. This is to raise awareness nationwide about conditions such as hypertension and sugar diabetes.

Prof Abayomi noted that of this 10 million, Lagos has been allocated 800,000, noting that, " the objective is to improve awareness on these ailments.

The commissioner who disclosed that the aim was to encourage health-seeking behaviour among Lagos residents,

said," High blood pressure, sugar diabetes, and obesity are related. Each of them can quietly and slowly have a devastating effect on people’s health.

He said too much unused sugar in the system will silently start to affect vital organs over time.

" Obesity is a food tank that is always full but unused, it is a reminder of how lifestyle choices can increase body fat and affect overall health". Abayomi

" Nigerians to get tested to know their statuses as regards high blood pressure and diabetes ".

The Commissioner while urging people to embrace healthy lifestyles such as moderation in sugar, salt, and alcohol consumption, emphasized a smoke-free attitude, and again warned that " smoking has deadly repercussions".

The Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, said that the state government had done a lot in terms of free medical outreach to help the residents improve their health.

Dr Ogunyemi stated that when treatments are initiated a lot of residents don’t follow, up for them to monitor their progress and act accordingly.

According to her, "The awareness is important because these are silent killers in the real sense of it.

The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotosho, called on journalists to participate in the campaign due to the stress associated with their job.

Mr Omotosho said, “When you go to any newsroom and pick journalists randomly, a high number of them are dealing with hypertension because of deadlines and all of that, but we need to take things easy".

He urged Lagos residents to actively participate in the campaign and subscribe to the state health insurance – Ilera Eko – for diagnosis and treatment.

By Sherifat Oyediran

Prioritize Youths, Women Empowerment: Bauchi Gov tells NAWOJ

Government and well-meaning Nigerians have been charged to support women in every area of endeavour as they contribute their quota to national development. 
The wife of the Bauchi State Governor, Hajiya Aisha Mohammad made the call at the opening of the Central Working Committee, CWC, meeting in the state. 
Hajiya Mohammad, who was the Special Guest of Honour appreciated NAWOJ for finding Bauchi State worthy to host the meeting.

She promised to support NAWOJ more to make the desired impact on the lives of women and children in Nigeria, "I will continue to empower women to be Independent wherever they find themselves'. Hajiya Aisha stated 
Earlier, the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, appreciated the Governor for being the first to host the NAWOJ meeting since the inception of the new leadership and especially to the wife of the Governor, Mrs Aisha Bala Muhammad, for being there in person despite her tight schedule.
" The CWC meeting is preparatory to the National Executive Council meeting and therefore very crucial to the achievements so far recorded by the executives and to bridge the communication gap that often exists between the different organs of the Association". 
Comrade Aisha explained further, " It is also to provide an insight into the leadership of the different chapters to see what is being done and how the Central Working Committee can help in preparing the state leaders for higher leadership positions '.

The Commissioner of Information and the Chairman of the occasion, Comrade Usman Danturaki, stated that having worked with a former president, Madam Asabe Baba, showed that the association has grown tremendously, and he is pleased to see that it has come of age.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity Alhaji Mukhtar Gidado, who was instrumental in hosting the event, said, " he had worked closely with the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim when he served as Vice President while she was the secretary, NUJ North-East zone.
" Aisha is a core unionist who has dedicated over two decades to serving the union and her profession and finds it necessary to support her to succeed ". Gidado

The former National Secretary of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Shuaibu Leman, who was a resource person at the occasion, spoke extensively on what is expected of NAWOJ national officers, their roles and limitations. 
The high point of the event was the courtesy visit to Governor Bala Abdululkadir Muhammad at the government house, where he charged NAWOJ to prioritize Youths and Women Empowerment issues in their reportage for sustainable growth and development as well as encourage the media to be constructive in their criticism of government activities.
Senator Bala who decried the poor remuneration of journalists called on government and media owners to improve the working conditions of Media practitioners for them to discharge their responsibilities diligently "
The CWC approved the appointment of six ex-officials and six trustees representing the six zones, promising to present it to the NEC for approval, while the meeting graciously lifted the suspension on some of its members for  peace and unity in the association 

Nigeria takes delivery of the first-ever malaria vaccine: The first phase begins in November in Kebbi, Bayelsa.

As efforts to combat malaria intensify in Nigeria, the federal government has delivered the first-ever malaria vaccine for children under 5 years, presented to it by development partners.

 

 Presenting the vaccine to the FG by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF and WHO in Abuja, 

 marking a critical milestone in the fight against malaria, a disease that continues to claim the lives of children under five every year, the first phase of the rollout will begin in Kebbi and Bayelsa States in November 2024, where malaria prevalence is particularly high, with over 800,000 doses ready for distribution.

According to the 2023 World Malaria Report, about 200,000 deaths from malaria occur in Nigeria. Children under five and pregnant women are the most affected, with a national malaria prevalence rate of 22% in children aged 6-59 months as of 2021. 

The report says that in some regions, such as Kebbi State, the rate is as high as 49%, hence the take-off in Kebbi and Bayelsa States in November. 

As Africa's most populous country, the record shows that Nigeria carries the highest burden of malaria globally, accounting for approximately 27% of the global malaria burden and 31% of malaria deaths in the world.

It is on record that the Federal Ministry of Health has been leading critical malaria control interventions, including the distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets (LLINs) and Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC). The introduction of the malaria vaccine marks another important tool in the country's comprehensive strategy to combat the disease.

 The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, says, “The arrival of the malaria vaccine is a monumental step in our national efforts to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality,”  “With the support of UNICEF, Gavi, and WHO, we are on a path toward achieving our goal of a malaria-free Nigeria.”

" Malaria Vaccine Rollout Plan is such that, it requires four doses,  administered to children under one year of age will be included as part of Routine Immunization schedule ". Pate explained 

“This is a landmark moment in our collective mission to save lives and protect children from preventable diseases like malaria,” said Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria. “The introduction of this vaccine will be life-changing for millions of Nigerian families, especially in the regions most affected by malaria.”

Gavi, emphasized the critical role of global collaboration in the fight against malaria, saying,  “Malaria remains one of Nigeria’s and Africa’s deadliest diseases, taking the lives of hundreds of thousands of children under the age of 5 each year. Rolling out this vaccine, alongside the other powerful tools we have to fight this disease, represents a major step forward towards our goal of a malaria-free future " Oshin.

We look forward to working with the government of Nigeria, WHO, UNICEF, the Global Fund, Civil Society, and other partners towards a successful rollout,” said Tokunbo Oshin, Director of High Impact Countries, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. 

Looking Ahead, the malaria vaccine introduction aligns with Nigeria’s National Malaria Elimination Programme, which envisions a malaria-free future for the country. 

The experts believe that by combining the vaccine with existing interventions like LLINs and SMC, Nigeria will be better positioned to make significant strides in reducing malaria transmission and deaths.

“We are confident that this vaccine in combination with other preventive measures will drastically reduce the burden of malaria in Nigeria and help us move closer to achieving the goal of a malaria-free Africa,” said Dr. Walter Mulombo, WHO Representative in Nigeria.

Partner Support and Global Collaboration

UNICEF and Gavi have played crucial roles in supporting the procurement and distribution of the vaccines. The cost of vaccines, transport, and administration are supported by Gavi and the Government of Nigeria, with UNICEF responsible for procurement and shipment, and working with WHO to support administration.

Keffi-Akwanga-Markurdi Road, Abuja-Keffi Expressway to operate Cashless Tolling System - FG

In furtherance of the Renewed Hope administration's efforts to revolutionize road infrastructure development and stimulate economic growth, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has inaugurated a committee on the implementation of a Cashless Tolling System for the Abuja-Keffi Expressway and the Dualization of the Keffi-Akwanga-Markurdi road.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held at the Ministry’s headquarters, Umahi stated that the cashless tolling system was a strategic program under the Highway Development and Management Initiative, aimed at promoting a strong and sustainable transportation ecosystem.

He said “This is one of the cardinal strategies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu towards realizing the desires of our people in the road sector development. Recall that a point of Keffi-Akwanga-Markurdi was made on EPC + F, and funded up to 85% by China Exim Bank, and the Federal Government paid 15% counterpart funding. The job was executed satisfactorily by China Harbour Ltd. Part of the agreement is that they will toll the road and then recoup the money for the Federal Government to pay back the loan segment of the project.”

Inaugurating the Committee, the Minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and expressed the hope that the committee would leverage on ideals of the Terms Of Reference handed to them to develop a robust implementation master plan that would lead to the realization of the economic and social objectives of the Highway Development and Management Initiative which is institutionalized to ensure sustainable private sector investment and improve the quality and quantity of the road assets in Nigeria to propel rapid economic development.

Mr Umahi tasked the committee with the Terms of Reference which among other things are to develop the cashless tolling system implementation framework, make appropriate recommendations as to the potential of relief stations and good physical environment along the corridors, and proffer practical solutions to the challenges of implementing cashless toll collection in the Nigerian environment.

He said “We must also, as part of the assignment, develop relief stations. Relief stations are what you see in overseas expressways, where you have a lot of stations, a supermarket, a small clinic, a security outfit, and a number of other facilities, including parks, wheel lorries, vehicles park, and tow vans '. 

According to him, 'the idea of Mr. President is that we should have a maximum of 10 minutes of response time on our Highways, meaning that in the full development of this route, part of the assignment will be how we can install CCTV cameras, and also have solar light all through the entire route of the project. ' so, we will be able to put security on our roads, and then we have a station at the relief center, where they will stay and watch the vehicles so that within 10 minutes of any incident along the route, the security people will be able to be there '. Umahi

Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Head of, the PPP Unit, Federal Ministry of Works, Mrs Ugwu-Chima Nnennaya stated that the inauguration was part of the responsibilities of the Federal Ministry of Works which has the mandate to attract private sector funding for the development and management of the Federal Road network through the Highways Development and Management Initiative (HDMI).

Nnennaya said, “The HDMI is expected to, among others, bring accountability, order, and profitable entrepreneurship to the operations, management, and maintenance of Federal Highways '. 

' This is consistent with the provisions of the ICRC Establishment Act 2005; National Policy on Public-Private Partnership (“N4P”); Federal Roads and Bridges Tolling Policy of August 2021 and Federal Highways Act CAP. 135, 1971, which grants the Minister of Works the power to administer Tolls on Federal Highways.” she stated

In her acceptance speech on behalf of the Committee on the implementation of the Cashless Tolling System, the Chairman of the committee, Haj. Jummai Katagum thanked the Minister of Works for the opportunity to serve the nation in that capacity.

She noted that, the scope of the assignment, which she described as onerous assured of the commitment of the committee to deliver as and when due. 

The committee which comprises members drawn from the Federal Ministries of Works, Finance, Budget and National Planning, Justice as well as Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has the Head, PPP Federal Ministry of Finance, Haj. Jummai Katagum and the Head PPP Unit, Federal Ministry of Works, Mrs. Ugwu-Chima Nnennaya as Chairman and Secretary,

 The committee has within two (2) weeks to submit its report.

Akwa Ibom, Katsina Governors, Ogunlusi, Obi and others Bag Media Icons Recognition :...describes journalists as partners in progress

It was all glitz and glamour as media professionals gathered at the Lagos Airport Hotel for the third edition of the Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria.

Captains of Industry and personalities from all walks of life were in high spirits

as the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) under the leadership of Dr Chris Isiguzo, MFR, honoured twenty veteran journalists, carefully selected across Nigeria by a committee headed by seasoned broadcast journalist, Otunba Gbenga Onayiga.

The NUJ President Dr.Chris Isiguzo, set the tone for the colourful event with his welcome address, describing the media as the heartbeat of the nation.

He commended the award recipients for their huge contributions to the pen fraternity while urging the media to be at the forefront of solution-based journalism.

"As Nigeria grapples with challenging times, journalists must resort to solution-based journalism as a way to help the country navigate the hard times.

"Journalists must continue to inspire hope by using their pen to foster national growth and development towards uniting the citizenry," Isiguzo said.

On his part, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof.Ralph Akinfeleye said the role of the media in any society cannot be downplayed. He tasked media professionals to hold the government accountable at all times in order to help shape Nigeria's economy.

The height of the event was the presentation of the Milestone Recognition of Media Icons plaque to the Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Dikko Radda PhD, CON and his Akwa Ibom counterpart, His Excellency Pastor Umo Bassey Eno for being Workers/Media Friendly Governor and Media-Friendly Governor.

Reacting to the honour, Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Ummaru Radda urged members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm to promote good governance at all times.

“As a scholar and a politician, I have always believed that journalism is the backbone of democracy. It empowers individuals, makes the powers accountable, and fosters informed decisions. I’m proud to be part of the community that dedicates itself to truth-seeking and advocacy” Radda said.

Meanwhile, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi eulogised journalists, while describing the media as partners in progress.

"One of the cornerstones of my administration is inclusivity.

"My ambition has been to get all stakeholders, including the media and members of other political parties involved in what we are doing in the state, which has yielded an unprecedented sense of belonging among the people of Akwa-Ibom".

Veteran journalists honoured at the event include former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Moses Ekpo, MFR, Pa Felix Adenaike, Dr Ladan Salihu, Ms Comfort Obi, Dr Yemi Farounbi, Dr Haroun Adamu, Professor Tonnie Iredia, Professor Umar Pate and Mrs Bisi Amagada.

Others include Comrade Ini Ememobong, Mallam Yakub Mohammed, Mr Dan Agbese, Dr Eddie Iroh, Mr Lade Bonuola, Mr Nosa Igiebor, Mrs Toun Okewale Sonaiya, Mrs Comfort Umanah, HRH Eze Geo Anika, Chief Dare Babarinsa, Pa Jola Ogunlusi and Usman Shuaibu Leman.

Dave Comfort Obi, OON who spoke on behalf of the recipients tasked journalists to guard the profession jealously if they must redeem the image of the profession.

"We must say no to the notion that anyone can just wake up and begin to call him or herself a journalist.

"Journalists paid the prize for Nigeria's democracy that we all enjoy today and this is one reason I am happy that a lot of us are remembered by the NUJ.

"It must be clearly stated that this award is given based on merit,” she added.

LGAs, IDP Camps in Borno get support materials worth N113, 284,213.60 - UNICEF

 From 2009 to date, Borno State has experienced recurrent outbreaks of cholera,  the year 2024 has recorded more than 450 suspected cases with 128 RDT positive and 17 cultures positive for Vibrio Cholera since September 2024.

The outbreak, declared by the Commissioner for Health and Humanitarian Services on October 4th, 2024, had the government, alongside the technical and financial partners, rallying for an emergency response.

To this end, the state has received many responses from governments and development partners, including the United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF,  which presented 30 Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD) kits (90 units) and 50 cholera beds to the most affected LGAs in Borno State, which are Jere, Konduga, Mafa, and Monguno. However, no deaths have been reported.

The Deputy Representative, of UNICEF Nigeria, Dr. Rownak Khan made this known in response to the Cholera situation in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. 

Other key activities supported according to Dr Khan are, ' the prevention and management of the disease through risk communication, hygiene promotion, safe water supply, cholera vaccination, chlorination of water sources, construction of emergency latrines and case management services '. 

Furthermore on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), ' Over 13,750 people were reached with safe means of disposing of feces by constructing 245 emergency latrines installed in Bakassi, Teachers Village (TV), Yerwa GGSS and Gubio Road IDP Camps '. he explained. 

The UNICEF boss noted, ' construction of additional 30 emergency latrines is ongoing and expected to be completed soon in Gubio Road IDP Camp, adding that, disinfection of schools and latrine services were supported was carried out by the Government with chlorine support from the organization '. 

Hygiene promotion (including WASH Kits Distribution) of 4,461 hygiene and cholera kits were given to households, reaching over 28,243 individuals with hygiene promotion, teaching them how to use latrines, and proper handwashing to prevent the outbreak of diseases in Bakassi, TV, Dalori, Asheik Jarma, Gubio, Zajiri, and Yerwa.  

In the area of Water Supply, the statement said, a total of 43,689 people were reached with safe water supply in Yerwa, TV IDP, Bakassi, Asheikh Jarma, and Gubio Road 400 Housing Estate Camps through emergency water trucking and rehabilitation of existing boreholes at the sites, nothing that, Water trucking is ongoing in all the three remaining camps – Teachers Village, Bakassi, and Gubio'. Khan

The Health, Social and Behavioural Change activities were coordinated by UNICEF because it is an active member of the technical working group in Borno State, stressing that, ' the health support is in all the strategic pillars of the incident action plan for cholera response.

He said, that at least 54 health technicians and support staff were deployed to the IDP camps for health outreach interventions, and that enhanced the opportunity for surveillance and timely detection of cases, transfer, and supervision.

300,000 doses of cholera vaccines were received by the Borno State Government from the Federal Ministry of Health with UNICEF support, pointing out that, ' about 290,000 persons at risk (in IDP camps and flooded communities) were vaccinated. 669,374 while expecting additional doses.

He stated that equipment, materials, drugs and consumables, and other cholera-specific kits have been handed over, and given financial support, While activities are reinforced in the communities by volunteers supported by UNICEF. 

Anyaoku, Sanwo-Olu, Osoba, and other national figures have paid tribute to Iwuanyanwu, praising his contributions and achievements.

The final rites of passage for Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, a distinguished Nigerian and former Ohanaeze Ndigbo president-general, commenced in Lagos with a tribute day.

Eminent attendees, including former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku and Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, hailed him as a national icon and champion of development.

The ceremony featured hymns, scriptural readings, and cultural presentations, celebrating his life and legacy.

Paying his tribute, Chief Anyaoku said that Chief Iwuanyanwu was a true icon and would continue to be remembered as a true Nigerian patriot and extraordinary businessman who left behind a great legacy.

“ Iwuanyanwu, a renowned engineer, founded a successful construction company and made significant contributions to developing infrastructure in Nigeria.

“His expertise extended to asphalt companies, playing a crucial role in building highways and runways across the nation.

“Beyond his business acumen, Iwuanyanwu was a dedicated leader of his people. He was deeply involved in the affairs of his community and was an unwavering advocate for the development of the Southeast Zone in Nigeria", said Anyaoku.

Chief Anyaoku noted that not long, Chief Iwuanyanwu, former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and himself convened a meeting with South East Governors to chart a way for the development of the region, but the late elder statesman could not attend the meeting because of his ill health, describing his death as a huge loss to the Igbo nation and Nigeria as a whole.

On his part, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu eulogized Chief Iwuanyanwu as one who dedicated his entire life to working for the development of not just Igboland but Nigeria as a whole.

He said the fallen hero embodied excellence, the life of a true Nigerian, and a " giant of our time".

The governor highlighted Iwuanyanwu’s significant contributions to various sectors, including business, media, and youth development.

He commended the late businessman for building the Iwuanyanwu Group into a thriving conglomerate and for founding the Champion newspaper, which amplified the voices of the less privileged.

According to him, "He was indeed a giant of his time, and we will certainly mourn his pattern. We are certainly comforted by the great legacy of integrity, the legacy of nation building, compassion, and ensuring that no one is left behind, that he has indeed left us behind, and therefore, on behalf of the people and government of Lagos State, want to extend our heartfelt condolences to members of the family, to all friends, to all Associates, and everyone".

"His life was a testament to what it means to be a real leader. He was a patriot and a dedicated servant of the growth and progress of not only the Igbo but of Nigeria in general.

" He embodied excellence and left, indeed, a lasting legacy as a business icon.

"His contribution to the media space gave birth to what we know today as a Champion Newspaper. It amplified the voice of the less privileged and he gave hope to the hopeless, Strengthening the voice of the Free Press in our country.

The Emeritus Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence stated that the late President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worked tirelessly for the enthronement of a nation where no one is oppressed, urging the country’s leadership to make sure their policies promote fairness, equity, and justice for lasting peace to be achieved.

Chairman of the National Burial Committee, Senator Ben Obi said that Nigeria has lost a great man of peace and unity, whose legacies would continue to be remembered and appreciated by generations to come.

Recounting fond memories about her father, the first child of the diseased, Nwadiuto said that despite his tight schedules, her father created time to be with them and attended to their needs.
Nwadiuto in an emotion-laden voice, said their father believed strongly in women's emancipation, saying they would continue to mourn his demise because he meant so much to them.

Nwadiuto said: “My father, my strength, my superhero, my encourager — the man who believed in a female child,” recalling the deep bond she shared with her father.

She stated “He carried the world on his shoulders. As a young person, my father would fly from Europe in the morning just to visit me at school. He was a very duty-bound father.”

During the event, special prayers were offered for Nigeria, the church, and the bereaved family.
A man of many parts, Chief Iwuanyanwu with a traditional title, ahaejiagamba of Indigbo” meaning a great name to ride upon to go places”, was an engineer of repute who owned many companies to his name.

Born on September 4, 1942, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, CFR, OFR, and MFR is a fellow of a long list of professional bodies and has won many international honourary awards.

Other dignitaries that graced the occasion included: Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ambassador Okey Emuchay; former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Alison Madueke; Publisher of Vanguard newspaper, Mr. Sam Amuka; Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Amb Greg Mbadiwe.

Others included former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele; renowned Professor of Economics and erudite technocrat, Prof. Anya Anya; Prof Barth Nnaji who was represented by his wife and numerous other Nigerians.

Traditional leaders from the Lagos State graced the occasion to pay their respect to the fallen hero.

Late Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu will be buried in his hometown in Imo State on the 1st of November.