Month: October 2023

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FG unveils plan to cater for cancer survivors

The Federal Government says it has made plans in a new policy plans for cancer survivors to be catered to adequately.

The Director-General, National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Dr Usman Aliyu, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

According to him, the plan is contained in one of the three cancer policies aimed at aiding cancer prevention and treatment in Nigeria the Federal Government will inaugurate soon.

He said that the institute has since its establishment in January, been working on the policies that are expected to ensure that cancer prevention, treatment and research into all cancer issues are put on the front burner.

“We have drafted our second National Strategic Cancer Control Plan. The first one that was ever drafted for the country was for 2018 to 2022 which has expired, but I’m happy to announce to you that the institute has drafted a new cancer plan.

“It is a five year plan that will span from 2023 to 2027 and that is all encompassing. The plan will be a leading guide to all the activities of cancer in the country and it cuts across the area of cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care and even survivorship for the first time.

“We are having this component of cancer survivorship in our plan for survivors, which is actually a neglected area.”

Aliyu also said that the institute has finalised work with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other partners to develop the nation’s first National Cervical Cancer Control plan 2023-2027.

He said that the plan would give direction on how the institute intends to follow in agenda of WHO in the elimination of cervical cancer by 2030.

He also said that being a research institute, research was a very strong component of NICRAT, but that it could not just dive into it without having an agenda.

“So we have drafted the first National Cancer Research Agenda 2024-2028 for the country that will give way and pave a direction for cancer research in Nigeria”, he said.

The D-G said that all the documents would be inaugurated during the 2023 International Cancer Week scheduled for Oct. 23 to 26 in Abuja, with the theme ‘Addressing Cancer Care Disparities through Research and Improved Access to Treatment’.

He said that the theme was aimed at addressing the disparity in cancer care as there were renewed calls by the oncologists globally to try and close the gaps.

“If you look at the disparities that we have in the areas of maybe the race, ethnicity and even tribal, it is gross, so the concept was coined out of what the global scientists are focusing on now.

“If you look at America, they are pumping a lot of resources in the area of cancer prevention, research and treatment but they are not getting the outcome they are expecting then they embarked on research.

“In 2022, we had almost 19.7 million new cases and more than 10 million deaths from cancer and there is a report that by the next few decades this is going to increase by 70 per cent.

“About 80 per cent of this number is going to emanate from Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC) or which is majorly Sub Saharan Africa.”

He added that it was a pointer to something being wrong which indicates the disparity in cancer care.

Aliyu also said that this informed the decision to begin to look into how to close that gap.

He said that the week would also feature interactive sessions and presentation on cancer registries, adding that cancer registries are the key to getting data on cancer.

“In the area of research, the Institute is already working on how to carry out a general cancer mapping for the country. This is important because we want to standardise the data that we have in the area.

“We mapped out all the cancers that we have using the cancer registries that we have, the research tools and even the individual hospitals that are not in the cancer registry.

“The data will be more robust and more reliable than just making an estimate based on other diseases or what our neighbours have to take decisions on Nigeria as well in other area of cancer.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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AMCE on track to providing world class medical care – Oramah

The Board of the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE Abuja) says the project is on track to successfully accomplish its mission of providing world class medical care.

The AMCE will also conduct innovative and groundbreaking research, facilitate development initiatives, and offer educational programmes in collaboration with esteemed international organisations

Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), made the assertion during the inaugural board meeting of AMCE in Cairo, Egypt, on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the AMCE Abuja, a landmark and visionary initiative by Afreximbank, entails the implementation and operationalisation of a 500-bed quaternary level medical facility.

The AMCE will offer a wide range of services and specialisations including oncology, cardiology, hematology, and general care capabilities.

It will also provide a full range of medical services, including diagnostics, treatment, nuclear medicine, surgery and post-surgical care.

It will operate in collaboration with the Kings College Hospital, London (KCH), leveraging KCH’s diagnostic, clinical and capacity building expertise to become a world class healthcare institution.

Through establishing both international and Pan-African partnerships, AMCE Abuja will ultimately become a prominent global reference and a leading destination for medical tourism in the region.

At the inaugural board meeting of the AMCE Abuja, the Board endorsed the appointment of Oramah as its Chairman and appointed Mr Amr Kamel as his alternate.

The appointment of Oramah reflects his significant contributions to and vision for the project, as well as his exemplary leadership qualities, which have led Afreximbank to remarkable growth.

Other members of the AMCE Abuja Board include Prof. Ghulam Mufti, Prof. Adedayo Onitilo, Dr Anwar Alhaq, Mr Emmanuel Assiak, Mr Brain Deaver and Dr Zahoor Khan.

Dr Aisha Umar; His Excellency, Namadi Sambo; Mr Amr Kamel, Ms Oluranti Doherty, Mr Olusola Babalola, and Dr Gloria Rowland are also members.

Speaking, Oramah said: “ I am delighted to chair this first meeting of the AMCE Board.

“This project is of great significance to our continent.

“With Africans being among the largest importers of medical services globally due to a lack of modern, affordable, and well-equipped medical facilities, technologies and personnel on the continent who especially deal with lifestyle diseases.

“This facility, with an initial capital investment of nearly USD 300 million, is by far, the single largest private healthcare investment both in Nigeria and on the continent.

“It will be the first of many facilities being considered across Africa and will serve as the headquarters for AMCE on the continent.”

At the meeting, the board also approved the proposal of the AMCE executives to organise a medical conference in the first quarter of 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria.

The conference will serve as a unique platform for African leaders, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to exchange insights, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities in the realms of medical and scientific fields.

This would be with the goal of increasing awareness and collaboration in the areas of research, innovation, and public health throughout the continent.

According to the board, the conference will align discussions and outcomes with the objectives of the African Union and the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), by supporting the healthcare goals outlined in “Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.”

Commenting, Brian Deaver, CEO of AMCE Abuja, said: “The AMCE initiative is a great step forward in addressing the continent’s healthcare needs.

“Its success will require strong leadership, commitment, and collaboration.

“The decisions taken at this first board meeting represent an integral step in ensuring that beyond these broad objectives, the AMCE can fulfil its mandate of delivering quality healthcare across Africa.

“And we are honored to have Professor Oramah as Chairman of the Board.”

NAN also reports that a significant focus of the AMCE Abuja will be to perform innovative and ground-breaking research, development and educational programmes.

This will be in partnership with leading global institutions such as the KCH, the Christies Manchester and University of Wisconsin, USA, in order to develop additional insights into diseases and treatment trends to improve the quality of care available in Nigeria and the West African region.

The facility will also provide first-class medical equipment and infrastructure that include PET CT scans, Cyclotrons that will produce nuclear isotopes.

Also, Linear Accelerators for radiotherapy, chemotherapy suites, fully equipped modular theatres, HTR/ HDR machines, among many others which are currently not available in sub-Saharan Africa in order to deliver superior quality of diagnostic and specialty services.

With the initial capital outlay for the first phase of the AMCE Abuja at nearly 300 million US dollars, the facility is by far, the single largest private healthcare investment in Nigeria.

This investment is set to rise to 700 million US dollars upon completion of the second phase of the project.

The construction of AMCE Abuja started in 2022, and it is projected to be completed and inaugurated in 2025. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Strengthening nutrition with Nestlé’s NIDO Milk and Soya

The development of human health is majorly dependent on nutrition.

Good nutrition, alongside other healthy lifestyle habits, supports average growth, development, and ageing.

It helps people maintain healthy body weight, boosts the immune system, makes pregnancies safer, increases mental alertness, and lowers the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases.

For over 62 years, Nestlé has been part of the daily nutrition of millions of households in Nigeria, with focus on improving the nutritional value of their products.

This is by consistently using its research and development capabilities to unlock the power of food to enhance the wellbeing of individuals and families.

Recently, in Nigeria, it introduced the latest addition to its nutrition portfolio, NIDO Milk and Soya Instant Powder Mix.

This innovative product combines the double goodness of milk and soya, fortified with iron to provide consumers with an affordable, delicious and nutritious creamy milk and plant-based complement for beverages and cereals.

Fortification, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), is the practice of deliberately increasing the content of one or more micronutrients, vitamins and minerals, in a food or condiment to improve the nutritional quality of the food supply and provide a public health benefit with minimal risk to health.

The Nigeria food fortification programme aims at achieving public health goals – tackling “hidden hunger” or micronutrient deficiencies – which cause 10 per cent of global diseases, inhibit human development and perpetuate poverty and deprivation.

The Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) says preventable deficiencies of critical vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, D, iron, iodine, folic acid and zinc contribute globally to up to three million child deaths annually.

Micronutrient malnutrition has far-reaching effects on individuals and impedes the economic development of nations, hence Food Fortification becomes one of the most cost effective interventions for tackling micronutrient deficiencies globally.

The World Bank has calculated the return on investment in nutrition interventions as Twenty Five Naira to every Naira (N25:N1) with food fortification being one of the most cost effective interventions for tackling micronutrient deficiencies globally.

This is imperatives as it is estimated that nearly 25 million Nigerians are at risk of facing hunger between June and August 2023 if urgent action is not taken.

This is according to the October 2022 Cadre Harmonisé, a Government led and UN-supported food and nutrition analysis carried out twice a year.

And, this is a projected increase from the estimated 17 million people currently at risk of food insecurity, with factors including continued conflict, climate change, inflation and rising food prices as key drivers of this alarming trend.

In addition, the National Emergency Management Agency, says widespread flooding in the 2022 rainy season damaged more than 676,000 hectares of farmlands, which diminished harvests and increased the risk of food insecurity for families across the country.

The food security and nutrition situation across Nigeria is deeply concerning noted Mr Matthias Schmale, the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, UNICEF

Hence the United Nations urges the Government of Nigeria, the donor community, and public and private stakeholders to urgently commit resources and implement mitigation measures to save lives and prevent a potentially catastrophic food security and nutrition situation.

According to Ifeanyi Orabuche, the Category and Marketing Manager, Dairy, Nestlé Nigeria, NIDO Milk and Soya is Nestlé’s first affordable fortified dairy and plant blend in the Nigerian market.

This unique blend of filled milk and soya is a source of Iron and has other essential nutrients including Protein, Calcium, Vitamin C, and dietary fiber which supports digestion.

“NIDO Milk and Soya joins our portfolio of fortified products to help address the high rate of micronutrient deficiency, especially of Iron in the country.”

According to the Journal of Public Health in Africa, the prevalence of anemia among school age children in Nigeria is 71 per cent and among women, 47.3 per cent.

NIDO Milk and Soya Instant Powder Mix was developed by local experts in Nestlé’s RandD Center in Abidjan and is produced locally in Nigeria using 100 per cent locally sourced soya beans.

It is a result of Nestlé’s progress in product innovation and renovation to meet the growing consumer demand for affordable nutrition options that also create societal value.

“At Nestlé, our decisions are guided by our purpose of unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone today and for future generations.

“With this new product, we are helping to sustain a steady source of revenue to improve the livelihoods of the local farmers who supply the soya beans used in the production of NIDO Milk and Soya.

“This launch is part of Nestlé Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to offering affordable, wholesome and nutritious options for consumers across the country.

“This is while providing long term benefits that are good for individuals and families, good for communities and good for the planet,” says Victoria Uwadoka, the Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability lead at Nestlé Nigeria.

Laurent Alsteens, Global Category Head for Early Childhood Nutrition at Nestlé, said: “We continue to expand our offerings with nutritious, tasty products that complement the everyday diet of children and their families.

“Through combining the goodness of dairy and plant ingredients, we can deliver a new flavour experience with nutritional benefits.”

The introduction of NIDO Milk and Soya is yet one work by Nestlé, guided by a desire to contribute to nutritious and sustainable diets, to help protect, renew and restore natural resources, while helping strengthen communities and to operate responsibly.

It is about Creating Shared Value (CSV), which is at the heart of Nestlé’s purpose- to unlock the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Minister seeks stakeholders’ support to curb youth migration from Africa

Dr Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has sought the assistance of stakeholders towards addressing the issue of youth migration in the country.

Edu made the call when she co-chaired the meeting of 48 African Countries Ministerial Representatives with the European Union (EU) to discuss issues surrounding Youths Migration in Hague, the Netherlands.

The event was tagged: “Thematic meeting of the Rabat Process on Migration, Youth and Development,” Co-hosted by the Nigerian government and the Netherlands.

In a statement issued by Edu’s Media aide, Mr Rasheed Zubair on Saturday in Abuja, she said irregular migration continued to be a disturbing issue among leaders in the continent.

She said, the situation necessitated President Bola Tinubu’s Administration to focus attention on setting up new initiatives to engage Nigerian youths of productive age with job opportunities.

”The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu is committed to give young Nigerians with innovative ideas the opportunity to get involved. through different

The minister explained the connection between migration, youth and development, adding that, sixteen percent of world’s population are growing mobile demography that could play significant role in fostering development.

“In Nigeria, like in other parts of Africa, the youth have developed a robust startup ecosystem which attract over two billion dollars in investment between 2015 and 2022.

“In 2022 alone, 107 startups in Nigeria, founded by persons between the ages of 25 and 35, attracted over eight hundred million dollars in investment”

According to Disrupt Africa’s 2022 startups report, Egypt raised 791 million dollars while South African startups raised 993 million between 2015 and 2022 ” she said.

While expressing her delight over the impressive records of youth participation in innovative and technology startups, the minister urged them to sustain the tempo.

”Especially, the giant strides the young population made in the areas of creative industry, education, leadership, medicine, science and sports is highly commendable” she said.

Edu noted that a good number of the migrants faced challenges in the countries of their migration.

“In Nigeria, the Japa Syndrome, which refers to young highly skilled workers and university graduates, migrating in their numbers in search of greener pastures in Europe has become a hot-button topic.

”Especially when you consider that in 2022, diaspora remittances to Nigeria, stood at $21.9 billion but these young migrants are faced with diverse challenges in their quest for new opportunities.

”Such as the dangers of human trafficking, smuggling of migrants, sexual abuse, poor living conditions, organ trafficking, mordern- day slavery and other forms of exploitation” she said.

She expressed optimism that the meeting would provide avenues for deliberations and solutions to the challenges faced by young migrants as well as celebrate their achievements.

Edu used the opportunity to canvass support for low income countries in Africa in job creation and enabling environment to reduce pressure on the youth seeking to migrate.

On his part, Mr Paul Huijts, the Netherlands Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed delight that the meeting focuses on a shared commitment on promoting active participation.

Huijts also said, this would opportunities for young people to ensure that efforts are made to address the root causes of irregular migration.

He commended Nigerian government for providing opportunities for Youths to participate in governance, especially with the appointment of Edu.

“As part of our commitment to actively support young people, we need to engage in dialogue and change the best practices so that our efforts continue to address their needs.

“Let us listen to challenges that young people in our country’s face like, poor education, unemployment, low number of youth and women’s leadership and involvement in national international decision making.

‘”For Nigeria, President Tinubu is indeed changing the picture of leadership and increasing daily the youth and women inclusion in governance” he said.

Also speaking, Erica Gerretsen, Director-General of European Union Commission for International Partnership said, the essence of the programme was to engage participants to increase their voice in leadership policies and decision-making.

“Giving Voice also means building narratives in order to get positive story about migration of young people.

”As well as the potentials they have to contribute to the development of their country rather than seeking illegal migration.

“We are leading by example by strengthening the institutional engagement in the European institutions, our EU boards for international partnerships is a group of 25 young people from around the world.

“It was established in 2021 to advise on youth participation and empowerment as well as helping to use our policies to change the narratives in countries “she said(NAN).

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Delta community threatens legal action over exclusion from trust fund

An oil producing community, Aja-Omaetan in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta has threatened to sue Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) if it is excluded from the oil giant’s planned Host Community Development Trust Fund (HCDTF).

The community, therefore, urged the authorities of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to prevail on the oil company.

Aja-Omaetan made this known in protest letters and pre-action notices written on its behalf by their lawyer, Prof. Yemi Akinseye-Geoege, SAN, to Chevron and the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of NMDPRA and NUPRC and copies made available to newsmen in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the community is claiming that Chevron plans to excluded it from the list of beneficiaries of the planned trust fund owing to past disputes over oil spillages.

While arguing that the NMDPRA and NUPRC, as regulators, have the duty to ensure that operators in the oil industry comply with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the Aja-Omaetan community also threatened to join both agencies in the suit if they fail to prevail on Chevron.

One of the letters reads: “Our client is one of the communities accommodating the Crude Oil and Gas Pipelines of Chevron Nigeria Limited in Dibi field, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State and has been host to Chevron Nigeria Limited facilities for years without any benefits from Chevron Nigeria Limited.

“On July 14, 2011 our client obtained a judgment from the Delta High Court in Suit No: W/105/2010 (copy herewith attached) against the Governor of Delta State, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and one other, wherein the status of Aja-Omaetan Community as an oil producing community was firmly established beyond any equivocation.

“The Delta State Government and the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) among others, have since complied with the court order/judgment by recognising and according our client all privileges and rights as an oil producing community.

“Our client is aware that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Chevron Nigeria Limited are currently at the verge of establishing the ‘Warri Kingdom Onshore Host Communities Development Trust’ as required under the Petroleum Industry Act No. 6, 2021.

“However, our client’s findings show that it has been maliciously excluded from the list of qualified and entitled communities in Dibi Field in an attempt to punish her because our client took Chevron Nigeria Limited to court over crude Oil spillages.

“Our client has written to Chevron Nigeria Limited to no avail, hence this complaint to the authority (NMDPRA).(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Tribunal judgment: Rep. claims victory safeguards constituents’ mandate

Rep. Sani Yakubu, (APC-Sokoto) has expressed satisfaction with the recent judgment from the State and National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal.

Yakubu, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto on Saturday stated that the judgment had effectively protected the mandate of his constituents.

NAN reports that the tribunal on Thursday upheld Yakubu’s election as the duly elected member representing Gudu and Tangaza Federal Constituency.

The three-man tribunal panel, led by Justice Josephine Oyefeso, delivered the ruling, dismissing the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Musa Gidan-Madi, who contested the victory of the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate.

The tribunal cited the petitioners’ failure to substantiate their claims and also imposed a fine of N200,000 on them.

Yakubu expressed gratitude to the Almighty Allah for his success at the tribunal, pointing out that the 2023 election in his constituency stood out as one of the best nationwide, truly reflecting the will of the voters.

“ In the general election, I achieved a historic margin, the first of its kind since the return of democracy in 1999 in our constituency. Unfortunately, it was initially declared inconclusive.

“ However, after a second round of counting, I was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“So, the tribunal Judgement not only reaffirmed my victory but also ensured the protection of the electorate’s mandate,” he said.

Regarding the potential appeal of the judgment by the PDP and its candidate, the lawmaker emphasised that it was a democratic norm for dissatisfied parties to seek clarification through the Courts.

“Therefore, I want to assure you that I am confident in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice,” Yakubu declared.

He also highlighted some of his accomplishments within his first 100 days, including presenting a motion to address the security challenges in his constituency, which has been one of the most affected areas by security issues in the state.

“ As a seasoned legislator who started in the State Assembly, my constituents are well aware of my capabilities, which is why they elected me to the National Assembly.

“ In my first 100 days, I successfully provided solar lighting to eight villages, and I am committed to sustaining such initiatives.”

Yakubu revealed that he had secured food stuffs, building materials, and fertilizer for distribution to his constituents to ease the challenges resulting from the fuel subsidy removal in the country.

He extended his gratitude to his constituents for their unwavering support and appealed to them to continue praying for their leaders to achieve a prosperous future for the nation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria