Month: June 2024

Wife of the President, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, has advised women to emulate the legacies of late Hajiya Lami Lau, the National President, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS).

Tinubu, who is also the Grand Patron of NCWS said this in her letter of tribute at the seven-day Fidau prayer of the late NCWS president on Tuesday in Abuja.

Represented by the wife of the Vice-President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, Tinubu said the death of the NCWS president was not only a great loss to her family and friends, but to the entire community of women.

She said the late NCWS president had contributed her quota towards impacting, promoting, protecting and projecting the image of women across the nation.

‘Late Lau had done her part, as a Muslim, I know that there is time for everything, and every living soul must taste death.

‘I would like to extend our sincere condolences to all the Nigerian women and to the immediate families,’ she said.

Earlier, the first National Vice-President of NCWS, Mrs Geraldine Etuk, described lat
e Lau as hope to women and a guardian for the voiceless.

Etuk said Lau would always be in her heart and consciousness, adding that her memories would remain forever.

According to her, Lau was a leader whose presence was more than just commanding; it was transformative.

‘She was a beacon of hope to women, a guardian for the voiceless and a champion for all in need of her touch.

‘Her unwavering dedication to the cause of women’s rights and social justice is likened to a steady flame in a darkened world,’ she said.

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Etuk said Lau would always confront injustice fearlessly and stand as a shield for those who couldn’t fend for themselves.

‘Lau led the Nigerian women with empathy and understanding. She listened to the unheard, lifted the downtrodden and inspired countless souls to believe in a brighter tomorrow.

‘To me, she wasn’t just the president of NCWS, she was a friend – a confidante in times of uncertainty and a mentor in moments of doubt.

‘To
gether, we weathered storms and celebrated victories. The memories we shared, the laughter we echoed and the tears we shed will forever be etched in my heart,’ she added.

Etuk, while giving her farewell to her dear friend, mentor and leader said Lau’s absence leaves a void that could never be filled.

She said Lau’s legacy would endure, inspiring generations to come.

‘Rest in peace, our rare gem, knowing that your light would forever illuminate our path,’ she said.

Also speaking, the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, said the late Lau was an excellent leader.

She urged women to emulate the legacy of Lau to better the lives of Nigeria women.

‘With a heavy heart, I am saying farewell to our mother and sister, I plead with everyone, let us emulate the good character of late Lau and drop those you don’t like,’ she said.

Earlier, the former Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, said the death of Lau was a painful moment for all Nigerian women.

Tallen said this was a painful and t
rying moment for NCWS since it was the first time NCWS was losing a national president since its inception in 1958.

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‘Standing here to pay tribute to this great woman, Lau was a very committed president, full of zeal and committed to the betterment of the Nigeria women, we will surely miss her,’ she said.

Others at the event who paid tribute to the late Lau were the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, former NCWS National Presidents, NCWS national officers, NCWS State Presidents and a lot of affiliates.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Minister of State Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, says President Tinubu-led administration is working to improve the health and nutrition well-being of citizens.

Mahmoud stated this during the roll out of ‘Renewed Hope Medical Outreach’ in Kuje on Wednesday, to celebrate Tinubu’s one year in office.

The minister, who was represented by Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, FCT Administration, said that Tinubu was putting measures in place to improve the country’s health indices.

She explained that the outreach was designed to provide free healthcare services to all residents of Kuje as a pilot area council.

She commended the turnout of the residents to access the services, adding that service would continue at health facilities and would be extended to other area councils and rural communities.

‘Today we have six different departments – antenatal care for pregnant women, general outpatients care, paediatrics, eye and dental care, nutr
ition services, HIV, hepatitis tests and follow-up care among other services.

‘We also have health insurance for pregnant women to guarantee continued access to health services for the next one year.

‘We have more than 1000 people here to access various health services for free.

‘We are assuring them that our doctors will see all of them and no one will be left behind.

‘This government does not care about your party affiliation, age, sex or religion. It is a renewed hope for all,’ she said.

Mahmoud assured the residents of the commitment of the Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, to implement Tinubu’s life-changing programmes in line with Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

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Also, Dr Babagana Adam, Permanent Secretary in the FCTA’s Health Services and Environment Secretariat, assured FCT residents of improved and sustained access to quality healthcare services.

Adam said that FCTA would continue to work with other relevant stakeholders to reach more FCT res
idents with quality health services, particularly the poor and vulnerable.

The Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Mr Abdullahi Sabo, who was represented by his Chief of Staff with same name, described the outreach as life changing.

Sabo said that the council would continue to complement FCTA’s efforts to improve the health and nutrition well-being of the people.

Also speaking, the Gomo of Kuje, Alhaji Haruna Jibrin, who is the traditional head of the area, described the medical outreach as the first of its kind in the council.

‘The whole place is really filled with people seeking all kinds of healthcare.

‘This is a demonstration of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 500 gas cookers were distributed to women to promote clean air and healthy cooking.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A group, Counter Trafficking In Persons (CTIP) Cluster group, has advocated for the establishment of a commission to oversee the issue of human trafficking in states.

The group, at a learning event on Tuesday in Abuja, stated that states commission on human trafficking would adequately tackle CTIP issues instead of the present taskforces on human trafficking.

The group said that the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) is currently overwhelmed, adding that state commissions would complement their efforts.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the group is funded by the United States Agency on International Development (USAID), through the Palladium project.

NAN also reports that the group noted the rampant cases of human trafficking in Benue, Taraba, and Oyo States, and called for funding for the operations of these commissions in the states.

Mrs Mabel Ade, Executive Director of Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF), called for enhanced counter-trafficking responses, cit
ing poverty, unemployment, and hunger as push factors contributing to the menace.

‘There is a need for government to put up more legal framework to checkmate the activities of human traffickers in Benue, Taraba and Oyo.

‘Human trafficking is a dangerous thing that can make one lose contact with their loved ones forever and this can lead to a prolonged trauma,’ she said.

Members of the group posed for photograph after it meeting in Abuja on Tuesday

Dr Priscilla Achakpa, the Chief Executive Officer of Women Environmental Programme, highlighted the importance of enforcement of law and value reorientation of the children.

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She noted that legislation alone is insufficient without adequate implementation at the state level.

‘Nigeria has two main problems in fighting human trafficking: weak laws and lack of funds for enforcement, especially at the state level where trafficking starts.

‘This issue is now prevalent in areas with high populat
ion of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), unemployment, poverty, and regions plagued by conflict and insurgency.

Achakpa said that value reorientation was crucial to stem the tide of human trafficking in Nigeria.

She urged decision makers to take action and support the advocacy efforts of CTIP Cluster group to prevent trafficking, protect victims and prosecute perpetrators.

NAN reports that the event brought together stakeholders who share knowledge and best practices in tackling human trafficking.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A Non-Governmental Organisation, the Benjamin Olowojebutu Foundation (BOF), on Wednesday urged Nigerians to be the change they desired in their sphere of influence to birth a better and prosperous country.

Dr Benjamin Olowojebutu, the Founder of BOF and also the first Vice-President, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), made the appeal in a message in commemoration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day Celebration.

Olowojebutu said that growing needs and urgent demands made it imperative for citizens to become the change they sought.

‘Can we genuinely itemise the changes we seek in the various constituencies of human endeavours we currently represent – academia, medicine, technology, military, sport, religion, business, politics.

‘We have a long list of changes compiled in our minds, with strong expectations that someday the government and other revered people will make those changes and correct the aged errors.

‘Pathetically, we have lived in the cocoon of such expectations for decades; hoping, trusting, assuming, a
nd waiting, sadly wasting our precious time in anticipation of a nonexistent saviour to calm our frayed nerves and turn the tide of things,’ he said.

According to him, mere prayers and faith for a better society without a corresponding work will produce futile and inept results.

The NGO founder said: ‘I had a foretaste of this in the most profound and life-changing manner.

‘For years, I have dutifully dispensed my medical expertise to people of all ages and classes. I have diligently observed certain lacuna and inefficiencies that I expected the government to address in our healthcare system.

‘But a single event changed my paradigm. One fateful day in 2016, a drunk driver recklessly hit my car. This head-on collision resulted in a fatal accident.

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‘I broke my right femur and was assisted to the hospital by some good Samaritans. I was not attended to for hours at the hospital – my vital signs were not taken, nor was I assigned a
bed.

‘Gradually, life was seeping out of me. Strangely, the doctors were ready to refer me to another medical facility until my wife and colleagues intervened by wielding their influence and connections.

‘This swung the CMD into action, and graciously, I was attended to.

‘However, this encounter spurred an unanswered question, ‘What would have happened if I was just a peasant farmer?’

Olowojebutu noted that the experience made him reevaluate his expectations and contributions to humanity, leading to the birth of the Benjamin Olowojebutu Foundation (BOF).

‘As a non-profit organisation, BOF has conducted over 10,000 surgeries for indigent people free of charge. Giving hope to helpless people across the six geo-political zones of our nation.

‘Previously, I never thought that was possible. Until I dared to start it alone. As an individual, we are more powerful and capable than we thought.

‘However, to harness this inherent power, we must see things differently – seeing ourselves as the change we seek is a
game changer while seeing ourselves as victims or mere commentators is a ship-sinker,’ he said.

Olowojebutu emphasised that to become nation-builders, citizens must improve their thought patterns, level of participation and commitment to achieve a better and prosperous Nigeria and Africa.

BOF is a NGO which gives the less- privileged in Africa access to healthcare.

It intervenes in fibroid treatment and removal; breast lump screening and removal; lipoma treatment and removal, hernia screening and removal, among others.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has called on Nigerians to trust the data collection and digital identification systems by the government.

The commission said that the call became necessary as the national identification systems served as foundational identification means to protect their information.

Its National Commissioner, Dr Vincent Olatunji, said this on Tuesday at a news conference to mark the one year implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NDPA bill was signed as an Act of parliament by President Bola Tinubu on June 12, 2023.

Olatunji said this was a major achievement and requirement for the country to participate in the comity of nations in the area of digital identification.

He said that issue of privacy was still vague to a lot of citizens which was not peculiar to Nigeria, adding that people needed to repose confidence in the process of digital identification.

‘On June 12, 2023, President Bola Tinubu sig
ned the bill as an act of Parliament and that was a testament that this ecosystem is beyond anybody. It is a global phenomenon that no forward looking country can afford to neglect.

‘We are grateful that President Tinubu understands the power of technology which is at the bedrock of anything you do, digital technology is the foundational identity.

‘An average transitional Nigerian needs the National Identification Number which is the foundational identity.

‘It is that foundational identity that institutions that collect data reference when the need arises and which is why we need to support the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for it to work.

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‘If people don’t believe in digital identity, there is no way they will understand your message on data privacy,’ he said.

He said the government was working on having a proper data interface for easy interoperability.

Olatunji said that the rights of Nigerians was important to the
government, hence signing of the Act which had brought positive impacts.

‘Signing the law gave us more credibility in the new administration and that is why we have attracted lots of attention within Nigeria and across the globe.

‘The remarkable thing about the law is that we applied for the Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) in 2022 as a bureau and our application was rejected because we did not have a National legislation on data protection.

‘Having been accredited less than one year now, Nigeria is on the front page of the GPA’s news letter for this quarter which is a big deal for us.

‘The law legitimised the NDPC and we have gained global recognition, and in terms of economic value, we have an ecosystem that is worth over N10 billion now. The law has positioned Nigeria for digital presence,’ he said.

Speaking on the benefits of the law to Nigeria, he said the commission gained the opportunity to host Data Protection Officers (DPOs) across Africa on a conference in May 2025.

Olatunji said the conference w
ould impact the economic value of the country in the areas of tourism and culture, perception of the country at the global level and foreign direct investment.

‘In terms of job creation and training, we have done a lot to ensure we deepen data protection in Nigeria.

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‘Part of what we are doing in the ministry is to train 10,000 public servants on responsible data management which the portal is already open.

‘We have also licensed a national certification body that has been designed in a way that there is something for everyone no matter your career.

‘We are going to launch the free training of 1000 DPOs that will be certified trainers which the process is ongoing and the portal will soon be open and that is part of the job creation initiative of the President,’ Olatunji said.

According to him, there are so many things coming to this ecosystem and this is one good thing coming out of Nigeria and we all should support the pr
ocess.

Mr Solomon Odole, Project Coordinator for Nigerian Digital Identification for Development (ID4D), said the news conference was an opportunity to create more awareness on data privacy.

‘There are a lot of people that hear about this but they don’t understand the content of the law and its provisions.

‘This is an opportunity to pass the message that we are interested in their personal information as citizens of Nigeria,’ he said.

Odole said that the ID4D project was ready to support the commission to discharge its mandate and ensure that citizens’ personal information were safeguarded.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The wife of the Anambra Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, on Wednesday sponsored the enrolment of 1,000 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) into the state’s Health Insurance Scheme to promote their healthcare.

Soludo made the announcement during a town hall meeting with persons with special needs organised to promote her Healthy Living Initiative in Awka.

She said that PWDs had the capacity to bring unique values to the journey toward a livable and prosperous Anambra, when given adequate attention.

‘I invited you because I love you all and look out for you. My husband’s administration also appreciates your undying desire to bring your best to the table of good governance.

‘As I behold your amazing faces, I see strength, tenacity, doggedness and unbeatable ambitions. This is why Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative is giving out 1,000 health insurance slots free to PWDs in the state.

‘This is our own way of saying that we care about you and we know that health is the greatest wealth. This free health insuran
ce will be your passport to access the best medicare anywhere in the state.

‘I want you to ensure that you use the health insurance fully to your advantage. When you notice any sign of infirmity, do not waste time visiting your doctor,’ she said.

Dr Nonye Soludo addressing PWDs in Awka

Soludo urged the PWDs to prioritise their health, eat right, imbibe personal and environmental hygiene to stay healthy and alive.

Also speaking, Mr Ugochukwu Okeke, Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities in Anambra, requested for the inclusion of PWDs in the Healthy Living campaign.

According to him, PWDs are more affected when it comes to the issues of healthy living as a result of different challenges hinging on their various nature of disabilities.

‘Including PWDs in your campaign will help get the awareness and support down to our members, thereby enabling an inclusive society,’ he said.

In his keynote address, Prof. Williams Obiozor, Director, Centre for Disability and Special Needs Resear
ch, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, advocated more support and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the society.

Obiozor said that empowering and catering for the well-being of PWDs was a collective effort and should not be left for government alone.

In her remarks, Mrs Ify Obinabo, the state’s Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, appreciated the Governor’s wife for the demonstration of love to persons with disabilities in the state.

Mr Simeon Onyemaechi, the Executive Secretary, Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, said the package cost N12,500 annually to get medicines and treatments of health conditions covered by the scheme.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria