NAFDAC to regulate maternal health products against postpartum ... declares 2025, Year of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health & Nutrition

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC says, it will focus on five pillars of healthcare, which are, strong governance and leadership, institutionalisation of best practices, safety and quality of regulated products and monitor the supply chain.

The Director General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known at a news briefing in Lagos on Thursday, while reflecting on the agency’s accomplishments over the past seven years and what it will do in 2025. 

It says, " apart from the promotion of local pharmaceutical manufacturing and  further strengthening of the regulatory system to safeguard public health, it will  focus more on maternal, newborn, and child health ". 

Explaining further, the DG NAFDAC notes that, the Agency stopped the registration of sachet alcohol since February 2024 as part of a campaign to curb its accessibility, especially to young people.

According to Adeyeye, “There was a publication some days ago from the United States (U.S), linking alcohol to almost all the bad things that can happen to a human being, from cancer to liver failure and all. “That is part of the reason why we are focusing on sachet alcohols because of children.”

To this end, she said NAFDAC was stepping up sensitisation on it.

“We have stopped the registration of sachet alcohol completely, there is no registration of sachet alcohol since February of 2024.” she said

According to her, despite NAFDAC extensive regulatory responsibilities, the agency is acutely understaffed, hence the need the address the problem of inadequate workforce in the agency. 

She said, " to meet the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Benchmarking requirements, the agency plans to engage volunteers while awaiting statutory approval for additional hires.

" The agency requires 10,000 workers to effectively oversee the population's needs but has only 2000 staff nationwide ".

“We burn candles on both ends,” she stated, emphasising that the current workforce is overstretched, but remains resolute to safeguarding public health and maintaining Nigeria’s global standing.  

“Efforts to address this include stringent recruitment processes to ensure integrity and competence. While the agency seeks to double its current staff, identifying funding as one of the challenges limiting the pace of expansion. 

“Volunteers are also being incorporated into the workforce, with candidates undergoing the same rigorous screening as regular staff.  

On infrastructure and tools for efficiency, she said NAFDAC plans to complete 10 state and zonal offices, as well as laboratories, including the Vaccines, Biologics, and Medical Devices Laboratory in Oshodi.

Manufacturers will be incentivised to produce paediatric medicines, supported by regulatory inspection and WHO Prequalification processes, she stated.

Further, on tackling Substandard and Falsified Products: 

“The agency aims to minimise the prevalence of falsified and substandard products to less than five per cent through stringent post-marketing surveillance and inspections. 

Cluster registration of globally listed products and enhanced stakeholder engagement will ensure transparency and consumer safety.” Adeyeye stated

National Grid tripped off, didn’t collapse —TCN

 The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has clarified that the National Grid did not collapse on Saturday, January 11, 2025, but rather experienced a tripping event. TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah issued this clarification in a statement on the same day. 

This clarification follows reports that the National Grid recorded its first collapse of 2025, which led to power outages in some parts of the country. However, TCN confirmed that the Benin-Omotosho line tripped at around 1:41 PM on Saturday, affecting the
electricity supply to the Lagos area.

According to TCN, electricity generation on the national grid was at 4,335.63 megawatts just before the tripping. After the incident, generation dropped to 2,573.23 megawatts, indicating that a full grid collapse did not occur. 

The tripping affected several transmission lines, including those serving Egbin, Olorunsogo, Omotosho, Geregu, and Paras. TCN reported that all affected lines have been restored, except for the Benin-Omotosho 330kV line, which is currently undergoing restoration. 

In 2024, the national grid collapsed at least 12 times, highlighting ongoing issues such as grid failures and vandalism that continue to challenge Nigeria's electricity supply industry.

Rising Tennis Talent Attracts National Sports Commission's Support

Nigeria teenage tennis sensation Khadijat Eleojo Mohammed has received some career-building backing from the National Sports Commission, NSC.

Shortlisted on the NSC's adopt-an-athlete initiative, the tennis prodigy is expected to enjoy the best of support on her way to greatness.

NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko assured that the Commission would ensure that Khadijat's full potentials were realized. 

"I am quite impressed with what you have been able to do with your tennis career. No doubt you deserve all the encouragement and support that you can get. Even if you didn't come here, I am sure we would have found you along the line. I will make sure we support and help you to be the best you can be. The potential is there. For you to be winning big tournaments professionally at such a young age, the future is very bright. We will support you so that you don't fall by the wayside," Mallam Dikko promised.

"We have the adopt-an-athlete program, so we will see how we can put you on the platform where the companies we are dealing with can come to support you in addition to whatever support that we can give as commission under our grassroots policy. We will look at you and see how we make you part of our program."

Dikko made the comments in the presence of the player and her father/trainer, Mohammed Ohinoyi, a certified ITF coach and a former professional tennis player, who had appealed to the NSC for  Khadijat's support. 

At only 15, Khadijat has proven to be the next big thing in Nigeria's tennis. 

She became the first West or Central African player to win the ITF.J30 World  Tour. 

The following year in 2023 at 14 years old, she became the first teenager to win the Dala Tennis, a title she retained this year.

Aside from conquering the home front, Dikko believed Khadijat had the potential to excel at the Olympics someday.

"Tennis is also an Olympic sport. It is at this age that we can start nurturing the best tennis players to get us to the podium. With the right training, I believe that in two or three years, with the right roadmap, you should be having a go at the Olympics and other top competitions and we see how we take it from there. So we need to get more details about her training and the plans," he enthused.

"We will liaise with the Nigeria Tennis Federation because whatever we have to do, we will align with the programs of the Federation and make sure they are part of what we are doing. We will try to push you as much as we can to take you to the next level."

The NSC Chairman instantly assigned an aide Bar. Musa Amadu to follow up on Khadijat and provide updates.

"Since you train in our facility here at the MKO Abiola Stadium, we will come to watch. Be rest assured that we will keep a tab on you. We will follow your progress in the tournaments and circuits. You quite align with our vision to catch them young. We would be doing aggressive grassroots sports development as part of the overall vision, so you have come to the right place at the right time. We will ensure you are properly guided and your dreams activated," he added.

Dikko cautioned the player against dumping the nation afterwards. 

"Be careful, it is not after we have pushed you up now, tomorrow, you say you are representing another country. You are laughing now, it's not funny. Not after we have done all the hard work now, tomorrow another country will come and reap where they didn't sow," he concluded. 

While appealing for the Commission's support, Kadijat's father and coach, Ohinoyi said, "We as her parents have done our best, we can no longer take her beyond here. The remaining is in the hands of the National Sports Commission. That is why we are here. We have come because we can't continue with her."

Khadijat added, "If I am supported to get up there, I will also like to lift others and help them to make it in tennis. I want to be a source of inspiration to young tennis players in Nigeria."

By Kelechi Bernard(@woramangra)

FRCN, Lagos Operations starts 2025 with prayers....as clerics urge employees to be thankful at all times

  

It was a special day at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Lagos Operations as the Management and staff prayed for God's mercy and guidance as they started the new year.

The programme which started with praises, prayers and thanksgiving to God, saw everyone go spiritual.

Two Clerics, Utaz Abdullateef Olatunde and Venerable Oladehinde Olotu, who gave words of admonition urged staff to always be thankful no matter the challenges they face at work and home.

Starting the programme was the Islamic prayer presided over by Ustaz Abdulateef Olatunde, an employee of the Cooperation.

Ustaz Olatunde called on Allah to grant the Organization and its employees all-around blessing in 2025, and " prayed against a repeat of the unfortunate fire incident that gutted a section of the broadcasting house last year ".

There was a praise and worship session led by the Manager of News, on Radio One, Mrs. Iyabo Adoderin.

Delivering the Words of exaltation, an Anglican Priest, the Venerable Oladeinde Olotu advised employees to embrace the act of gratitude and thank God in all things for him to continue to bless them.

The Cleric who spoke on the topic "Be thankful and bless his name", from Psalm 100 verse 4 b, said that, " the fact the workers still retained their jobs and are alive to witness another year, are good enough reasons to give thanks to God ". he advised 

Intercessory prayers for various intentions for the good of the workers, the organization and the nation were offered.

In the course of the service, a moment of silence was observed in honour of some staff members who died last year.

The Thanksgiving Service which is still ongoing is being attended by Director Lagos Operations, Mrs. Bolanle Owoyemi and her management team.

In her remarks, the DLO, Mrs Bolanle Owoyemi Charged staff members with loyalty to the organization and commitment to duties, praying that the Almighty God will bring them good tidings in 2025.

They include the Deputy Director of News and Current Affairs, Fred Shaka-Braimah, Deputy Director of New Media, Julie Ekong, General Manager, of Radio One, Korede Ogunbumi and the newly promoted Assistant Director Procurement, Benjamin Igute.

NIMR set to tackle Human Metapneumovirus .... as WHO recommends wearing a mask to reduce spread

The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) says, as Nigeria's foremost research agency, it is prepared to tackle any outbreak including the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, if the need arises.

The Director -General, NIMR, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa gave assurance at the heal of the outbreak of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, saying, "We wish to assure the general public that the Institute is fully prepared ". 

Professor Obafunwa explained that NIMR is in close contact with and will collaborate with relevant government agencies and institutions as the nation intensifies efforts to strengthen its preparedness for all health emergencies. 

He says, " NIMR also aligns with the views and positions already expounded by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). " We hereby enjoin the public to adhere to the public health advisory enunciated by the agency. " 

It will be recalled that, on Tuesday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said, it is in contact with Chinese health officials and has not received any reports of unusual outbreak patterns of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

In its latest disease outbreak report on HMPV, WHO says a report from Chinese authorities indicated that the country's health care system is not overwhelmed and that no emergency declarations or responses have been triggered. 

“In many countries of the Northern Hemisphere, trends in acute respiratory infections are on the rise at this time of year. These increases are typically caused by seasonal epidemics of respiratory pathogens such as seasonal influenza, RSV, and other common respiratory viruses, including hMPV, as well as mycoplasma pneumonia".

" The co-circulation of multiple respiratory pathogens during the winter season can sometimes cause an increased burden on health care systems treating sick persons,” WHO says.

WHO however recommends that individuals in areas where it is winter take normal precautions to prevent the spread and reduce risks posed by respiratory pathogens, especially to the most vulnerable. 

" People with mild symptoms should stay home to avoid infecting other people and rest, adding that, those at high risk or with complicated or severe symptoms should seek medical care as soon as possible. 

Advising Individuals to consider wearing a nose mask in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, they should cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or bent elbow, practice regular hand-washing, and get recommended vaccines as per physician and local public health authorities.

WHO advises Member States to maintain surveillance for respiratory pathogens through an integrated approach, considering country context, priorities, resources and capacities.

Based on the current risk assessment, WHO advises against any travel or trade restrictions related to current trends in acute respiratory infections.

According to the US Centre for Disease Control, " the Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) can cause upper and lower respiratory disease in people of all ages, especially among young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems" WHO warns.

Three children of the same parents die mysteriously...as the Nise community mourns.

If the popular adage that says " wonders shall never end " is anything to go by, then can best describe the incident which happened in Nise, Awka Local government area of Anambra State, where three children of the same parents were found dead.
Radio Nigeria reports that the cause of the incident which occurred over the weekend remains a mystery to the entire residents of the area.  
According to an eyewitness account, " the children, two boys, and one girl were found lifeless inside a vehicle parked in their parent's compound ".
The report says, "The parents of the deceased children had lived without any child for many years after their marriage until eight years ago when God blessed them with a male child.
Two years after, the second son arrived then followed by their last daughter four years ago".
When the couple left for the day's activities on Saturday, 4th January 2025, little did they know that it would be the last time they would set an eye on their children alive.
An Indigene of Ara village, Nise, narrated that " the father of the deceased children came back and started looking for his children but could not find them within the compound.
"Having searched for them over an hour, his eyes flashed to the car long parked, and there he saw the three children lying helpless " the report says
He quickly opened the vehicle doors only to notice that their children, two boys, and one girl were all suffocated and lifeless.
The Leader of Nise Vigilante Group who did not want his name mentioned, told Radio Nigeria that immediately after he got the news, they notified the DPO in charge of the area and mobilized to the scene where the bodies had been evacuated.
According to him, preliminary investigation and checks conducted alongside Police personnel showed that there was no element of strangulation, bruc,e or manhandling signs on the bodies of the children contrary to some media reports that insinuate they were killed.
Also speaking, the President General of the Community, Chief Anthony Nwabuana while describing the incident as disheartening, said the people have been devastated by the development.
Chief
Nwabuana and the Security boss used the medium to advise parents and guardians to always leave their wards in the hands of adult before leaving the house to avoid such ugly incident.
When Radio Nigeria arrived at the scene, the gate to the compound was under lock while neighbors narrated that the couple traveled on Sunday after burying the three children.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra State, Mr Tochukwu Ikenga said, the command has received the report and is already investigating.
He noted that meanwhile the father of the children has been interviewed and the command working with the necessary information provided.
The PPRO said further development shall be communicated to journalists, as the Nise community is still in shock over the unfortunate incident". Ndeke reports.
By Uche Ndeke.

LSG: Family Planning: key to economic stability.... as TCI addresses documentation gaps in FP in 2025

Proper family planning based on economic capacity by spacing pregnancies to recover health-wise and financially in a way that the woman would have rested enough before the next pregnancy is the way to go.

This will give time for family self-care, and financial stability.

The advice was given by the Chairperson, Interfaith Public Health Advocacy Lagos, Dr. Ajoke Ashiru, at a meeting put together for journalists by the FPLagos Media Advocacy Forum, supported by TCI, where it spelt out the organization’s efforts to increasing family planning uptake.

“If you can take care of three children, no problem. If it’s two, plan wisely so that it doesn’t negatively impact your family’s health or finances,” she advised 

Deputy Director, Health Education, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mrs Esther Samuel, who gave details of government efforts at promoting family planning through training, community outreaches, and provision of essential consumables noted that, the ministry run jingles on radio and television from time to time, conduct health outreaches, and train healthcare workers to ensure quality services.

" These initiatives aim to increase awareness and encourage uptake,” Samuel explained.

On it's part, the Challenge Initiative (TCI) outlined the importance of community mobilization, training, and demand generation in promoting sustainable growth in family planning (FP) awareness and adoption across Lagos State saying that, TCI had done a lot in that regard. 

According to the State Programme Manager, Dr. Omotunde Odanye, “We have conducted extensive community mobilization to ensure greater acceptance of family planning in Lagos.

" A lot of mobilizers have been trained, and their capacities have been enhanced to engage with communities effectively, adding that, " Demand generation is critical, but it must be matched with adequate supply, which is why we ensure there are no stock-outs of family planning commodities across facilities,” Dr. Odanye stated.

TCI's strategy focuses on deploying trained mobilizers to areas with the greatest need and integrating family planning education into other health services. 

According to Odanye, “Mobilizers engage women accessing other health services, educating them about family planning options. " If a woman decides to adopt a method, she can immediately access the service.”

Efforts also target those who may delay their decision. “Even if the decision is postponed, the women leave with accurate information and resources to access services when they are ready,” Odanye added. 

Highlighting the initiative's broader impact, Odanye noted, “Our mobilization efforts often extend beyond our supported facilities. A woman might receive a referral in one location but end up accessing services elsewhere.

This according to Odanye demonstrates the far-reaching effects of our community engagement and media campaigns.”

Part of the highlight indicates that, TCI partnered with local health committees, educators, and media organizations to address misconceptions about family planning. 

“We work with voluntary health committees, social mobilization groups, and media platforms like television, radio, and social media to ensure accurate information reaches the public,” Odanye explained.

Despite significant progress, sustaining the gains remains a priority, stating , “We’ve seen remarkable improvements in family planning uptake, but we must intensify our efforts to prevent any decline.

 The safety and well-being of Lagos State depend on it,” Odanye emphasized.

As TCI looks to 2025, it plans to build on its success by addressing documentation gaps, supervise service delivery, and ensure measurable results. “Our strategies are effective, and we intend to sustain and improve them to achieve even greater results next year,” Odanye stated.