Day: June 12, 2024

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the US Agency for International Development (USAID), has conducted more than 1,566 fistula repairs from 2021 to date.

The repairs were carried out in Bauchi, Ebonyi, Kebbi, and Sokoto states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, disclosed this at the end of a project learning and dissemination workshop for USAID-MOMENTUM Safe Surgery in Family Planning and Obstetrics (MSSFPO) project, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Kachollom, who was represented by Dr Binyerem Ukaire, Director, Family Health, also said that a fistula pricing model has been developed to improve access to services for survivors through the National Health Insurance Scheme.

She added that the partnership equally ensured access to safe and surgical obstetric care across the project implementing facilities.

She identified some of the services as caesarean delivery and peripartum hysterectomy, obstetric and iatrogenic fistula preventi
on care, female genital cutting prevention and management, as well as gender-based violence.

‘These have contributed to 1,566 fistula repairs feat at the project-supported facilities, including the training of many healthcare workers in surgical obstetrics prevention, treatment of fistula and prevention of female genital cutting.

‘This partnership and interventions in these critical areas is saving the lives of women and young girls as well as ensuring their wellbeing,’ she said.

Dr Kabiru Atta, Country Project Manager, USAID-MSSFPO, said that apart from the fistula care for over 1,566 clients, the project also ensured that 81 per cent of the clients received rehabilitation and reintegration care.

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To this end, Atta said that over 350 health workers across 48 hospitals were trained on fistula care and management, 60 on the management of complications of female genital mutilation.

She added that 1.2 million people were reached
with social and behaviour change messages.

‘Before the project came on board, one of the things we identified was that only 17 per cent of fistula clients were actually having access to rehabilitation and restoration services.

‘We were able to put in place systems or mechanisms to ensure that after the end of the project today, 81 per cent of fistula clients who now walk into the government hospitals to access service are actually receiving holistic fistula care services.

‘They are not only receiving surgeries, they are also receiving family planning and psychosocial counseling, therapy services, nutritional services, and psychosocial services among others to restore their dignity of life,’ he said.

The Project Manager commended all the states, especially Bauchi and Ebonyi for implementing some of the recommendations targeted at reducing maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity.

On her part, Ms Suegatha Rennie of USAID, noted that the project has contributed significantly in the reduction of maternal
and new-born mortality and morbidity.

Rennie commended the implementing partners and other stakeholders for the overall success of the project recorded so far.

She, however, said that despite these successes, inflation has continued to affect the cost of inputs for fistula surgery.

‘This requires increased investments by the government and all partners to ensure we eliminate fistula by 2030.’

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

TEXT OF PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU’S NATIONAL BROADCAST ON THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF UNBROKEN DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA, DEMOCRACY DAY 12TH JUNE 2024.

1. My fellow Nigerians, let me begin by congratulating all of us for witnessing the celebration of another Democracy Day today, the 12th day of June 2024. This year also marks our nation’s 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.

2. On this day, 31 years ago, we entered our rites of passage to becoming a true and enduring democratic society.

3. Going through this passage was hard and dangerous. During the fateful six years that followed, we fought and struggled for our natural rights as human beings put on this earth by the divine hand of our Creator.

4. We lost great heroes and heroines along the way. In this struggle, the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, the most significant symbol of our democratic struggle, his wife, Kudirat, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Pa Alfred Rewane, among others sacrificed their very lives.

5. T
hey bravely surrendered their futures, so that our nation might have a better one.

6. Let us honour the memories of Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Arthur Nwankwo, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Frank Kokori, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Ganiyu Dawodu, Chief Ayo Fasanmi, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Olabiyi Durojaiye, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chima Ubani, and others who have transited to the higher realm.

7. The sacrifices of General Alani Akinrinade, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Professor Wole Soyinka, Chief Ralph Obioha, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, among many others, should never be forgotten. For at least six years, they bore the pains and difficulties of life in exile.

8. While the exiled pro-democracy activists kept the fire burning, their comrades at home sustained the pressure on the military brass hats. Among the latter are Olisa Agbakoba, Femi Falana, Abdul Oroh, Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani, Chief Olu Falae, and
other National Democratic Coalition leaders such as Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Ayo Opadokun.

9. The sacrifices they made, and the precious gift brought about by their selfless devotion can never be repaid. Neither shall it be forgotten.

10. We could not have won the battle against military dictatorship without the irrepressible Nigerian journalists who mounted the barricades along with the pro-democracy activists. We celebrate them today, along with their media establishments such as The Punch, Guardian, National Concord, Tribune, The News/Tempo, and TELL Magazines. Military authorities proscribed these media establishments and jailed their journalists for standing for free speech and civil liberties.

11. Despite the lethal might of the military government, what appeared to be high and unyielding walls of dictatorship came tumbling down. The dismal fortress exists no longer.

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12.The power of an idea, the po
wer of the people proved more potent than all the guns and munitions, and the threats of the strongmen.

13. The nation exited the yoke of military rule in 1999 to become the most populous democracy on African soil, the beacon of democratic self-determination for the black race and one of the largest democracies in the world.

14. This change stands as a pivotal moment in human history. From this change, we shall never turn, nor shall the annals of mankind’s progress forget the sublime meaning of this great moment.

15. Today, 25 years later, we celebrate the silver anniversary of our journey in democracy.

16. We have steadied the course.

17. Democracy is neither a foreign nor abstract concept devoid of real-life meaning for us. Neither can we afford to reduce or minimalise it to being nothing but the mere holding of periodic elections where one candidate and party outdo another.

18. While elections attract dramatic attention, they are but one aspect of democracy. Democracy is a way of life that encompasse
s a broad outlook of which elections are but a part. As such, a nation can have elections without being democratic. But a nation cannot be truly democratic without holding elections.

19.That we have established a tradition of holding transparent, open, and fair elections gives credence to our democratic bearing. That we have experienced peaceful transitions of government affirms our democratic temperament.

20. Fellow Nigerians, true democracy shines its light into the daily lives of the people who live under its nurturing wings. It affords us the freedom and liberty to think as we want, live where we want and pursue whatever legitimate endeavour that suits us.

21. Democracy does not assume some false or forced unity of opinion. In fact, democracy assumes that conflicting ideas and differing opinions shall be the order of the day. Given the diversity and variety of the human experience, there must be diverse perspectives and viewpoints.

22. What democracy demands is that we do not resolve differences throu
gh force and repression. But we make allowance for the legitimacy of views that differ from our own.

23. Where other forms of government impose against the will of the people, democracy aims to make leaders sufficiently humble that they conduct themselves as servants of the common good, not as viceroys of the narrow interests of the mighty.

24. My dear compatriots, Nigeria faced a decision of untold gravity twenty-five years ago: Whether to veer toward a better destination or continue aimlessly in the fog of dictatorship.

25. We made the right choice then. We must continue with that choice now.

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26. As Nigerians, we must remind ourselves that no matter how complicated democracy may be, it is the best form of governance in the long run. We must also be aware that there are those among us who will try to exploit current challenges to undermine, if not destroy, this democracy for which so much has already been given.

27. These people do this not t
o make things better but to subject all other people and things to their control and dominance until the point that, if you are not counted among their elite, then your life will be small and no longer owned by you.

28. This is the great battle of our day and the major reason we specially celebrate this Democracy day.

29. Fellow Nigerians, our Democracy is more than a historic fact. It is a living, breathing reality.

30. The true meaning of this day is not to focus solely on the great deeds of the past that have brought us to this point.

31. Yes, we pay eternal honour to those who laid down their lives, sacrificing everything to pave the way for the nation.

32. I stand uniquely placed in this regard. I was among those who took the risk to midwife the birth of our democracy. I am now a direct and obvious beneficiary of the fruits of those historic efforts.

33. As president of this nation, I am morally and constitutionally bound to preserve this precious form of governance. I vow to do my utmost best to p
rotect your rights, freedoms, and liberties as citizens of Nigeria.

34. Even more than that, I pledge to do whatever is necessary to cement democracy as our way of life.

35. Although the challenges are steep and multiple, I am grateful to lead Nigeria at this moment in her history and point in her democratic journey.

36. I come before you also to declare that our most important work remains before us. This real test has never been whether we would rise to challenge the slings of misfortune and grievous pain of dictatorship.

37. The real test is whether we shall lower our guards as the shadow of despotism and its evident physical danger fade.

38. I say to you here and now that as we celebrate the enshrinement of our political democracy, let us commit ourselves to the fulfilment of its equally important counterpart, the realisation of our economic democracy.

39. I understand the economic difficulties we face as a nation.

40. Our economy has been in desperate need of reform for decades. It has been unbala
nced because it was built on the flawed foundation of over-reliance on revenues from the exploitation of oil.

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41. The reforms we have initiated are intended to create a stronger, better foundation for future growth. There is no doubt the reforms have occasioned hardship. Yet, they are necessary repairs required to fix the economy over the long run so that everyone has access to economic opportunity, fair pay and compensation for his endeavour and labour.

42. As we continue to reform the economy, I shall always listen to the people and will never turn my back on you.

43. In this spirit, we have negotiated in good faith and with open arms with organized labour on a new national minimum wage. We shall soon send an executive bill to the National Assembly to enshrine what has been agreed upon as part of our law for the next five years or less.

44. In the face of labour’s call for a national strike, we did not seek to oppress or crack down on the workers as
a dictatorial government would have done. We chose the path of cooperation over conflict.

45. No one was arrested or threatened. Instead, the labour leadership was invited to break bread and negotiate toward a good-faith resolution.

46. Reasoned discussion and principled compromise are hallmarks of democracy. These themes shall continue to animate my policies and interaction with the constituent parts of our political economy.

47. I take on this vital task without fear or favour and I commit myself to this work until we have built a Nigeria where no man is oppressed.

48. In the end, our national greatness will not be achieved by travelling the easy road. It can only be achieved by taking the right one.

49. The words of the American President Franklin Roosevelt certainly ring true:

‘There are many ways of going forward. But only one way of standing still’!

50. We dare not slumber lest the good things awaiting our immediate future pass us by. We dare not plant our feet in idle standstill in the middle of
the intersection of hope and despair.

51. We know the proper way forward and we shall take it!

52. The initial rays of a brighter tomorrow now appear on the early horizon. An abundant future and our capacity to achieve that future lie within our reach. Democracy and the institutions it begets offer to take us to our profound destination.

53. Let us board this progressive train together. Together, let us move Nigeria forward.

54. Let’s continue to keep the fire of democracy burning. Let’s keep the torch lit for generations to come.

55. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and preserve our democracy.

56. I wish us all Happy Democracy Day.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Dr Femi Adeluyi, the National Coordinator, National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), says Nigeria could become a global talent pool because of the quality of talents and skills it exports.

Adeluyi said this when the Managing Director, Gallery of Code, Mr Oscar Ekponimo, led a delegation of experts alongside winner, STARTS4AFRICA in Nigeria to pay him a courtesy visit Tuesday in Abuja.

STARTS4AFRICA is an initiative that will allow artists to address regional challenges around food and water, digital mapping and speculative landscapes, culture, among other thematic areas.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NATEP was launched by the Federal Government in 2023 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to catalyse job creation by exporting local talents.

‘Nigeria has a lot of niche export areas and one of our greatest exports is our talents.

‘In the next couple of decades, Africa and Nigeria will become a talent hub because we are getting closer to becoming third largest continent in the world.

‘
What NATEP is focusing on is to not just jobs inside Nigeria but we are focusing on jobs that are outside the country.

‘The idea is to create jobs that can bring in foreign exchange into Nigeria that can strengthen the economy thereby using NATEP to change the Nigerian narrative”, he said.

He said that what virtual artist, Jibril Baba, was doing with the sponsorship from STARTS4AFRICA was a welcome development because it could help in strengthening food storage system in Nigeria.

‘This is a really good model which can be enhanced and elaborated on.

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‘What Gallery of Code is doing with the STARTS4AFRICA programme is interesting, I also like the STARTS initiative”, he said.

Ekponimo said the visit was meant to bring home one of the three winners from the STARTS4AFRICA challenge and seek inputs and areas of collaboration with NATEP.

According to him, the programme, a science, technology and arts-driven initiative, is a dedicated version
of STARTS for Africa, an EU-led intervention with the Gallery of Code serving as the umbrella body for the initiative in Nigeria.

‘This is the first phase and the first time this is coming up in Africa and a Nigerian has been selected from among 300 applicants.

‘Jibril Baba, a visual artist, has just been awarded a grant that will support his project – a smart technology that will address food storage challenges and boost food production in Nigeria .

‘We look forward to your mentorship and collaborations and we are open to push further discussions forward on the ‘niche areas’ that we can leverage on for future stakeholder collaborations.

‘Jibril will be showcasing his final exhibition in Nigeria and also Austria. He was selected among the winners to exhibit at an Arts festival in Austria from Sept 4-Sept 8”, he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Civil Society for the Eradication of Tuberculosis in Nigeria has called for community involvement and other stakeholders coordinated efforts to end the rising cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria.

Mr Nathaniel Salifu, FCT Coordinator for the control of Tuberculosis, made the call at a media roundtable on Wednesday in Abuja.

Salifu said the increasing cases of GBVprompted the Community Based Organisations working on TB, HIV/AIDs and Malaria and Implementing the TB Network C19RM/RSSH Global Fund Project, to include it in their work.

He explained that unified efforts and community involvement, as well as government implementation of policies would end GBV cases.

‘In Nigeria, GBV manifests in various forms, including domestic abuse, verbal aggression, physical violence, rape, early and forced marriages, incest, female genital cutting, acid attacks, and even outright killings.

‘Women, men, boys, and girls continue to endure degradation and deprivation in both public and private spaces.

‘The Ci
vil Society for the Eradication of Tuberculosis in Nigeria calls upon all stakeholders to combat the rising cases of gender-based violence in our society.

‘We implore every citizen not to remain silent. Let us unite our efforts to eradicate this menace from our nation. If you witness something, please speak out,’ he said.

He added that funding for primary healthcare delivery should be carefully mapped out.

He further called for sanction against any misappropriation or mismanagement, to enable a robust public health programme at all levels to improve healthcare services.

‘Addressing these challenges in health systems requires robust action through strengthening infrastructure, securing financial resources, renewing political leadership and fostering collaborations.

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‘Also, evidence-based interventions, such as Community-Led Monitoring, should be scaled up in addition to innovative service delivery models and technological adaptations to minimise di
sruptions to routine care,’ he said.

Mr Julius Ibecheole, FCT Coordinator, Civil Society for Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN), emphasised the need to ensure perpetrators of GBV are prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others.

‘We are integrating this in the project to educate community dwellers on their rights, what constitutes GBV with a view to end the practice,’ he said.

Also, Mr Peter Ikiti, Coordinator of Network of People Living with HIV/AIDs (NEPWHAN), stressed the role of media and other stakeholders on ending GBV and holding policy makers accountable on implementing laws targeting at improving the well-being of citizens.

Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim, Focal Person of FCT Control HIV AIDS (FACA), FCT public Health Department, said the Gender and Human Right Technical working group had been activated as a response team.

According to her, the response team is to handle GBV cases, particularly among HIV/AIDS persons in the FCT.

Similarly, Dr Bunmi Adeyemi, representing stakeholders from
the FCT Health Promotion Department, pledged continuous support to community based organisations assisting government facilities in the PHCs.

Adeyemi, represented by Zaid Umar-Abore, reiterated their commitment to ensure adequate preventative measures to prevent avoidable illnesses.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A member of the House of Representatives, Hussaini Jallo, has urged President Bola Tinubu to assemble a sound economic team that will rescue Nigeria from its present economic challenges.

Jallo, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Pension, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja when the Chief Executive Officer of XEM Consulting Limited, Dr Eugenia Ndukwe, paid him a visit in commemoration of the 2024 Democracy Day.

He said the present administration should pay more attention to issues concerning the generality of Nigerians; especially food security and economic recovery, rather than paying attention to what would benefit only a group of people.

‘The founding fathers of this nation did very well for Nigeria but unfortunately, things are not going the right way and I think the best way is for Tinubu to quickly organise a good economic team for the country and also the nation’s security.

‘These are the major challenges facing the country-security and economy; once the president can solve these problems, we a
re good to go.

‘We are celebrating uninterrupted democracy but we are not on the right track yet.

‘We cannot celebrate democracy in the midst of hunger, poverty and unemployment.

‘Nigerians are suffering; people need to go back to their villages and see how people are suffering there; some don’t eat, not even one square meal a day.’

He noted that the labour demand for a minimum wage was just a fraction compared to the millions of Nigerians that need succour.

‘The situation in the country now is not about what organised labour is demanding; it is if the government has the capacity to pay.

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‘What is the number of people in federal and state governments’ employment compared to the general population of the country.

‘Nigerians are in need of good health, good education, food security and security of lives and property.

‘If the president takes the proceeds of our mineral resources to pay a minimum percentage of Nigerians who are
working for government, what happens to the larger population of the people that need road, education, health and security that are not government employees?

‘The amount demanded by organised Labour is unrealistic especially now that Nigeria is picking its pieces in the area of security and other challenges.

‘I believe that they should accept whatever the government presents to them now, so that the country can move forward.’

Jallo assured that the House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas would work with the executive arm to achieve the desired goal of the present administration.

‘We are partners in progress with the executive arm of government and whatever comes from the president and it is for the benefit of Nigerians, will be given a speedy attention at the House.

‘Just as the president said he would forward the bill for the minimum or living wage to the National Assembly, we will give it an expedite action.

‘The challenges faced by Nigerians are also the challenges of
the National Assembly because the speaker talks about the hunger of many Nigerians, unemployment, insecurity and the rest.

‘So, I urge the president to marshal out plans to solve these challenges of insecurity and bad economy,’ Jallo said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Edo, Patience Ndidi, has enjoined Nigerians to actively participate in governance process and hold leaders accountable to deepen the country’s democracy.

Ndidi, the only female candidate in Edo governorship election on Wednesday in Abuja, said that the significance of democracy day lay in its call to action.

‘It challenges us to look beyond the mere exercise of voting and to demand accountability from those we elect.

‘It is a day that underscores the power of the people in shaping the future of our state and country.

‘Our democracy can only thrive when we actively participate in the governance process, hold our leaders accountable and insist on policies that serve the common good,’ she said.

Ndidi also called on citizens in Edo and Nigeria in general, to renew their dedication to building a state and nation that truly reflect the democratic ideals of fairness, inclusiveness, and prosperity for all.

‘I urge every citizen of Edo to join h
ands with the PRP in this noble pursuit.

‘Together, we can forge a future where our democracy is not just a system of government but a way of life that guarantees dignity and opportunity for every Nigerian,’ she said

Nididi said that democracy was not a destination, but a journey that required constant vigilance, active participation, and unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and equality.

She called on Nigerians to pledge their commitment to be the guardians of the nation’s democracy, ensuring that it remains robust, vibrant and reflective of the aspirations of all Nigerians.

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‘Today, as we commemorate democracy day, we are reminded of the immense sacrifices and unwavering resolve of our forebears who fought tirelessly for the establishment of a democratic society in Nigeria.

‘This day is not just a date on our calendar; it is a profound symbol of our collective aspiration for a nation governed by the principles of freedom
, justice, and equality.

‘Democracy day serves as a moment to reflect on the journey we have undertaken as a nation and to renew our commitment to the values that underpin our democratic system.

‘It is a day to celebrate our progress, acknowledge our challenges, and chart a course for a future that truly reflects the will and aspirations of all Nigerians,’ she said.

Nididi congratulated Nigeria on 25 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in the country.

She pledged to uphold Nigeria democratic values, be a beacon of hope for the marginalised, advocate policies that promote social justice, economic empowerment and transparent governance, which she said ‘PRP is known for’.

She said that her mission was to redeem Edo and nation from corruption, mismanagement and ensure that every citizen’s voice is heard and valued.

‘In Edo, we face numerous challenges that require bold and visionary leadership.

‘From the need for improved healthcare and education systems to the imperative of creating sustainable economi
c opportunities for our youth, the tasks before us are daunting but not insurmountable.

‘The PRP is committed to addressing these issues head-on, with a clear and actionable plan that prioritises the well-being of all Edo citizens,’ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria