Day: July 12, 2024

The Federal Government has tasked the committee on Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and Paediatric AIDS Acceleration Plan to scale-up interventions to eliminate HIV transmission in Nigeria.

Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, while inaugurating the committee in Abuja, expressed concern that Nigeria contributes 25 per cent global burden of HIV transmission between mother-to-children.

He added that current PMTCT and pediatric HIV coverage remained critically low at less than 35 per cent.

This, he said, was far below the 95 per cent target.

He said: ‘I will work closely with the committee to review implementation and track data regularly.

‘We will also ensure that we reverse the negative narrative of our contribution to the global burden of mother-to-children child transmission of HIV.

‘This will ensure that no child is born HIV positive and that those who are positive receive quality care.

‘We will also unlock value chains by collaborating with those willin
g to commence domestic production of HIV commodities, ensuring health security for our children.’

Earlier, Temitope Ilori, Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), said the country’s incidence prevalenc necessitated the inauguration of the committee.

‘Our epidemiological estimates say 140,000 children under 14 are living with HIV as of 2023, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths in children.

‘Current PMTCT and pediatric HIV coverage remain alarmingly low at less than 33 per cent far short of the 95 per cent target, ‘ she said.

According to Ilori, the committee will provide oversight to the PMTCT and Paediatric HIV programme implementation towards ending HIV and AIDS among our children.

Also, Olu Folake-Abdlrasaq, Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum and wife of Kwara state gvernor, commended the federal government’s efforts and emphasised the role of sub-national initiatives.

She revealed plans to enroll women living with HIV in the state’s h
ealth insurance programme, expanding on her earlier initiative that included sickle cell patients.

Also, Funmi Adesanya, Country Coordinator, United States Government, through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), said the U.S. has invested 8.3 billion dollars over the past 21 years, to eliminate HIV as a public health threat by 2030 in Nigeria.

‘We commend the leadership of the Government of Nigeria for your vision and for convening us to address this urgent issue because it is an emergency.

‘No child in Nigeria should be born with HIV and the U.S. government is committed to our partnership to ensure that this is a reality,’ she said.

Leo Zekeng, the Country Director and Representative of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in Nigeria, stated that funding the efforts against the scourge was not a challenge, as resources were available through 2026.

Zekeng assured the support of UN agencies in Nigeria to the initiative while urging other stakeholders to recommit to
the cause and fully support the initiative.

On his part, Oyebanji Fulani, Chairman, Commissioners of Health Forum, while stressing the need for resources, assured that governments at the state level would do their part to ensure the success of the initiative.

NAN reports that the committee is expected to focus on early testing; optimise treatment and care for infants, children, and adolescents living with HIV.

It is also expected to close treatment gaps for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and address social and structural barriers that hinder access to services. (NAN)( www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Hope Renewed 1st Year International Horse Racing Derby opened on Wednesday in Kaduna.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament, organised by the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria ends on Saturday.

The derby with the theme: ‘Hope Renewed 1st Anniversary Democracy Derby 2nd Edition Under Division System Race’. was organised to commemorate the first year anniversary of President Bola Tinubu.

The breeds of contestants included thorough-bred horses originating from Great Britain And Sudan.

Others are Talon-horses originating from Chad and Naija breed, born, bred and trained in Nigeria.

Similarly, there are the Arewa-Local Arewa Horses from Nigeria and Niger Republic.

There are also trophies and car races to be competed for, in the finals on Saturday.

They trophies are: President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Hope Renewed 1st Year Democracy Cup and the Sen. Uba Sani, Governor’s Cup, and the Sultan’s Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar Horse Amirul Muminin Cup.

They also include Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, Emir o
f Zazzau’s Cup and Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe’s Cup.

Speaking at the event, the Life Patron of the federation, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, said it has worked tirelessly to promote horse racing in the country.

He said, ‘Today’s event is a testament to our dedication.

‘We have witnessed growth, excitement and passion from our participants and spectators alike.

‘As we celebrate this anniversary, we also remember those who have supported us along the way.

‘We pay tribute to the horses and riders who have entertained us with their skills and process.

‘Sadly, we so take a moment to mourn those who were involved in an accident on their way to this tournament.’

The royal father also commiserated the families of the deceased, adding that, ‘but even in the face of adversity, we have strength in our shared passion for horse racing.

‘We will continue to work together to ensure the sport’s growth and success’.

The National Coordinator, Hors
e Racing Federation of Nigeria, Alhaji Mustapha Abubakar-Bida, said the derby was organised to bolster unity across Nigeria and the West African Sub-region.

According to him, there are participants from across Nigeria and other African countries like Niger, Chad and Cameroun, among others.

‘This historic event is aimed at reviving horse racing as an age-long event that started in the 1960’s and with Kaduna as its hub, ‘he said.

The event was graced by the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmad Bamalli, the Emir of Machina in Yobe, Dr Bashir Bukar, the Madakin Zazzau, Alhaji Munnir Ja’afaru and the Speaker, Kaduna State House of Assembly, Alhaji Yusuf Liman, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Federal Government has unveiled the National Antimicrobial Resistance Policy (AMR) to forestall public health threat in the country.

Dr Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Environment, stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the inauguration of the National Antimicrobial policy and Strategic Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2023-2027) Environment Sector.

He said that the nation stood to gain socio-economic benefits from the effective implementation of the AMR policy through improved public health and increased productivity.

‘Antimicrobial resistance is not only a public health threat; it has huge implications for global economic wellbeing and security, affecting both developed and developing countries.

‘Nigeria, as a responsible member of the global community, is committed to adopting a holistic approach to addressing AMR; to ensuring all of sector involvement; no duplication and efficient use of scarce resources.

‘To achieve this and protect public health, food security and the environment, the recognition
of the interconnectedness between human, animal and environmental health in line with the One Health principles is central.”

The minister said that AMR was listed by the World Health Organisation as one of the 10 top threats to global health.

‘According to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), AMR is a global crisis that cannot be understood or addressed separately from the triple planetary crisis.

‘This report shows that AMR threat is growing at an alarming rate making treatment challenging with longer hospital stays, increased mortality and higher healthcare cost.”

He said that the World Bank estimated that AMR could result in 1 trillion dollars additional healthcare costs by 2050 and 1 trillion dollars to 3.4 trillion dollars gross domestic product (GDP) losses per year by 2030.

‘AMR surveillance will ensure wildlife is not harmed by antimicrobials and drug resistant microorganisms in the environment; this ultimately protects human health by reducing the risk of zoonotic disease outbrea
k,” he said.

Dominique Koffy Kouacou, Head of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Nigeria, said that the antimicrobial resistance scourge affected humans, animals, plants and the environment.

‘Antimicrobial resistance, which is a one health issue, needs to be tackled by all sectors and therefore important for countries to put in place actions that would reduce and control the scourge.

‘It is estimated that 10 million people would die annually by the year 2050 and the economies of nations negatively affected if this challenge is not mitigated.

‘It is for this reason that the FAO in 2022 supported the Federal Ministry of Environment to develop the National AMR Policy and the National Strategic Plan (2023 – 2027).

‘This is important in ensuring that all relevant environment stakeholders get sensitised and participate in the fight against AMR in the environment specifically and generally in the animal human interface,’ he said.(NAN) (www.nanews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), says it will partner with the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG) and Harvest Plus to develop framework for National Seed Policy.

The Acting Director of the Council, Dr Isaq Khalid, stated this at a two-day national seed policy implementation framework development workshop on Wednesday in Kano.

Khalid said that it was imperative to prioritise policy that drive the system in view of the new technologies in agriculture.

Khalid said the seed industry was still evolving and being a critical input in enhancing agricultural productivity in Nigeria.

‘The new 2022 seed policy was put in place to support Nigeria’s agribusiness investment activity to feed the future project.

‘The policy statement is aimed at achieving a robust National Seed System that enhances private sector participation in seed industry, and also define roles for public and private sector.

‘This include liberalisation of Foundation Seed (FS) production and marketing by private seed accredited enterp
rise,’ he said.

According to Khalid, affixation of seed codex label in addition to the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) certification are tag to every seed package as a quality authentication tool.

He said the council has expanded its operations by deploying modern technologies, procurement of modern equipment, human and infrastructural capacity development as well as strengthened cooperation’s with relevant bodies.

The council, he said, encouraged youths and women participation in seed value chain from breeding to marketing.

Also speaking, the President of the NABG, Mr Kabir Ibrahim, said quality seeds lead to better yields, enhance food security and income for farmers.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA) and Lagos state ministries of transportation alongside works and infrastructure have met to address key issues impacting the Lekki- Epe community.

LERSA President, Alhaji Sulyman Bello, at a tripartite meeting in Lagos, lauded the state government’s current efforts on collaboration to improve businesses, the environment and livelihood across the axis.

Bello stated that key issues to be addressed included pedestrian safety on the newly paved sections of the Lekki-Epe Expressway, to address the rising number of hit-and-run accidents.

He called for the completion of key roads such as the regional road and Saliu Obodo road projects.

The LERSA president also advocated the need to manage increase in heavy-duty truck traffic due to the area’s rapid development.

‘There’s the need for efficient heavy-duty towing infrastructure services and improved bus terminus operations at the Ajah BRT terminus.

‘We also propose the possibility of reviewing some inte
rsections for optimal commuting experience and enhanced operational efficiency.

‘We call for the Ogombo-Sangotedo bypass road project status and completion details, and also the Bonny Camp to Ajah Road Upgrade with regards to current repair interventions, as well as short to long term solutions.

‘It has also become important to checkmate the rising impact of drug abuse and other associated vices along the axis,’ he said.

Responding, Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said that approval of 12 units of pedestrian flyover bridges with full illumination, on the Lekki-Epe Expressway had been given.

He shed more light on the recent launch of the Lagos State Transportation Masterplan, its wide-ranging implications and the implementation of the state’s new transportation model, starting from the Lekki axis.

Osiyemi stated that there were new initiatives to ramp up water transportation assets or services, and ongoing efforts to ensure that construction sites do not cause drainage constraints.

‘
There would be imminent enforcement action against gated estates blocking the free-flow of traffic, and I reiterate that gates must be manned and accessible between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.

‘We are announcing the advent of e-call-up system and evacuation of freight by barges and enhancing Vehicle Inspection System (VIS) as a tool to address unworthy trucks,’ he said.

Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos on Infrastructure, Mr Olufemi Daramola, said that the implementation of proper signages around construction corridors and other areas in need of road signages was ongoing.

He urged citizens to guide against the worrisome trend of willful damage and vandalisation of critical public assets by helping to protect state resources.(NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) on Thursday identified adequate collaboration as an essential strategy for curbing insider influence and financial malpractices in banks and other financial institutions.

Mr Bello Hassan, Managing Director of NDIC, stated this during the 2024 capacity-building workshop for law enforcement agencies in Lagos.

He noted that the corporation had consistently fought against insider abuses and financial malpractices for several years.

Hassan, represented by Mr Bashir Nuhu, Director of Communications and Public Affairs at NDIC, said that collaboration with law enforcement stakeholders remained crucial for achieving desired results.

‘A safe and sound banking environment is an essential ingredient of financial system stability, which is the bedrock for economic development in every nation,’ Hassan said.

Since 2012, the corporation has held annual workshops to sharpen the skills of law enforcement operatives and regulatory officers to prevent infractions that could l
ead to the collapse of banks or financial institutions.

Hassan said that the event also provided an opportunity to review the understanding and commitment to NDIC’s mandate of ensuring safe and sound banking in Nigeria.

‘It is to provide an avenue for sharing ideas and working together as a team to synergise efforts toward achieving a common goal of financial stability,’ he said.

Hassan listed financial and cyber crimes and challenges introduced by technological advancements and the continuous measures the NDIC had adopted in collaboration with law enforcement agencies to curb vulnerabilities.

‘This workshop is among the steps taken to provide a platform for the agencies concerned to sharpen their skills, share ideas, and be well-equipped to face challenges,’ he said.

Hassan noted that the theme, ‘Collaboration as a Strategy in the Fight Against Insider Abuses and Financial Malpractices in Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Nigeria,’ reaffirmed NDIC’s commitment to tackling the issues.

The worksh
op aims to complement the efforts of the inter-agency task force on the implementation of the Failed Banks Act.

Hassan appealed to the taskforce to diligently execute its mandate.

‘Through our collaborative efforts, I am aware that fourteen prosecution cases are ongoing in various courts, eighteen ongoing investigations with FMIU, eight with EFCC, and nine concluded investigations with the Federal Ministry of Justice for advice and prosecution.

‘This indicates that we are on the right course,’ he said.

He explained the relevant sections of NDIC laws that empower the corporation to regulate and monitor activities to prevent financial malpractices and ensure sanity in the financial and banking sector.

‘Building strong depositors’ confidence in banks and other financial institutions will ensure continuous safety and soundness in the financial system.’

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede, represented by Michael Wetkas, Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos, said that
the theme of the workshop was timely, considering the current economic state of the nation.

He emphasised that the financial sector, as a driver of the economy, requires focus, and all hands must be on deck to maintain trust, security, and stability.

Assistant Inspector of Police (AIG) Romokere Ibani of the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, said that financial malpractices usually involve insiders as collaborators.

Ibani urged the NDIC to do more to ensure banks were financially stable and called for strategic collaboration among relevant agencies to help Nigerian banks meet international standards. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng

Source: News Agency of Nigeria