NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
NGO, logistics Coy partner to empower PWDs, fight hunger  
Health

NGO, logistics Coy partner to empower PWDs, fight hunger  

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By Lilian U. Okoro

As part of efforts to fight hunger, the Pukka Logistics and Support Service Ltd., in collaboration with the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), have distributed food items to no fewer than 240 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The outreach to celebrate PWDs in Lagos, was part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the logistics company.

Mrs Florence Austin of CCD, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the event was to distribute rice and groundnut oil to 240 PWDs.

According to her, the PWDs include those with albinism, deafness, blindness, physical challenges, spinal cord injuries, and intellectual disabilities.

“We organised the event through cluster heads to ensure orderly distribution and also provided security due to past incidents.

“The event aims to honour children and PWDs, emphasising the importance of inclusion and support,” she said.

The Managing Director of Pukka Logistics,  Mrs Beulah Akingbelu-Banjo, said that the company had initiated an ambitious mission to combat food poverty while also championing the dignity of PWDs.

She said that the company’s latest initiative took a compassionate turn by partnering with the CCD to distribute food items to PWDs.

Addressing clusters of PWDs, she said: “Whether you are created with disabilities or it befell you, you are special. Your life matters.”

“You have a specific purpose in life, the reason and the essence why you are created, and disability or anything else cannot stop you.

“You can see a lot of people who got popular, who got into places they could never have been just by the virtue of the fact that they have  some disabilities.

`So, do not despair. It’s such a beautiful thing when people are not limited by their physical abilities anymore,” she said.

Akingbelu-Banjo said that the outreach was with support from British-Indian business partners Jai Mahtani and Sudeep Ramnani,

“Their goal extends beyond mere food distribution — it’s about restoring dignity, challenging perceptions, and proving that disability is not inability.’’

 

Pukka Logistics and Support Service Ltd., in collaboration with Center for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) distribute food items to PWDs in Lagos State.

 

Mr Anuoluwayinka  Isaac, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Association of the Blind and an entrepreneur, lauded the programme for providing food support to alleviate the effects of subsidy removal and hunger, especially significant during the festive period. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Lifesaving heart surgery rescues 5-year-old at Duchess Hospital
Health

Lifesaving heart surgery rescues 5-year-old at Duchess Hospital

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By Vivian Ihechu

The Duchess International Hospital has performed a successful complex “open-heart” surgery operation on a five-year-old boy (known as “Master D”), born with a life-threatening congenital heart condition known as Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF).

ToF is a significant heart defect that affects the normal flow of blood through the heart and lungs.

L-R: Dr Tokunbo Shitta-Bey, Chief Executive Officer, Duchess International Hospital Ikeja; Dr Mudasiru Salami, Consultant Cardiothoracic and Pediatric Surgeon; Dr Bassey Udom, Cardiac Intensivist and Anesthetist; Mr Ademola Adetona and his wife, Mrs Olutope, parents of Master D; Mrs Adeola Lawal, Team Lead, ICU & CCU ; Mr Ayomide Ajani, Center Manager, Cardiac Theatre & Endoscopy and Dr Olajide Ojo, Clinical Director at a news conference in Lagos  on Monday, May 26, 2025, to announce the successful complex open-heart surgery on Master D, a 5-year old boy at Duchess International Hospital.

The multidisciplinary surgical team, led by Dr Mudasiru Salami, undertook the procedure over three days in May 2025, saving the child’s life and marking a significant medical achievement for the hospital.

Dr Adetokunbo Shitta-Bey, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Duchess International Hospital, who spoke with newsmen in Lagos on Monday, explained that the complex surgical procedure was successfully performed in stages over a combined period of approximately 14 hours.

He said it took place between May 19 and May 21, 2025.

According to him, a combined multidisciplinary team of specialised cardiac surgeons, cardiac anaesthetists, perfusionists, and intensivists among others, led by Salami, a Consultant Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon, achieved the feat.

He said that Master D had since made a remarkable recovery under the watchful eye of the intensive care team of the Duchess International Hospital’s Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU).

“He has now been transferred from the CICU for routine observation in the Paediatrics ward,” he said.

Explaining further why this is a great medical feat, Shitta-Bey said that in a normal heart, blood flows to the lungs from the right chambers of the heart to receive oxygen from the lungs.

“Whereas in a heart affected by a Tetralogy of Fallot, the defect causes the blood (which is low in oxygen) to flow in the wrong direction, by-passing the lungs and causing low energy levels.

“In Master D, it also presents with a persistent blue discolouration of his lips and tissues, chronic fatigue, shortness of breath and recurring chest infections.

“All these are classic signs and symptoms of this severe and debilitating congenital heart defect’’.

He said that the patient suffered from the four component malformations of this composite heart disease.

This included a hole in the wall between the two lower chambers of the heart, a narrowing of the valve of the main artery carrying blood to the lungs.

According to him, he also suffered a thickening of the muscle of the right lower chamber of the heart due mainly to a forced protracted increase in pressure and workload.

He added that it included poor positioning of the main artery that carries blood from the heart allowing blood to bypass the lungs and deliver blood poor in oxygen to the tissues and organs of the body.

“In most developed health systems around the world, this heart condition, which is present from birth, would normally be treated by an open-heart surgery operation within six to nine months of birth to prevent further complications occurring in the years to come.

“In Master D’s case, he has had to wait several long years before his delayed presentation at Duchess International Hospital at five years of age”.

Explaining further, Salami, a Consultant Paediatric Surgeon, said that to perform such complex open-heart surgery in Master D’s case, the heart had to be arrested for the first five and a half hours.

“This was a huge risk.

“But the first miracle was that the heart came back instantly,’’ Salami remarked.

He emphasised the importance of teamwork, dedication, specialised clinical expertise and cutting-edge medical technology available at the Duchess International Hospital as essential ingredients in the overall success of the procedure.

He thanked Duchess Hospital staff for their show of humanity in donating fresh blood to transfuse the patient at a time this was critically needed.

Mother of the patient, Mrs Olutope Adetona, while speaking, thanked the Duchess Hospital for saving the life of her last-born child.

She noted that she had confidence that the hospital would be able to save her son after watching testimonials of satisfied patients on YouTube who had undergone open heart surgery at the hospital.

Adetona urged parents not to hide any challenge in the family but to speak out so that help can come in time.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that in less than four years of its existence, the Duchess International Hospital, which was opened to patients on Oct. 22, 2021, has continued to be a shining light in the delivery of affordable quality healthcare in Nigeria and Africa.

Its cutting-edge medical technology and experienced teams of specialised clinical, non-clinical and allied healthcare professionals have worked tirelessly to reverse the trend of medical tourism abroad.

It has also worked to build confidence and trust in healthcare services in Lagos and across Nigeria.

The hospital has noted an increasing trend of Nigerians in the diaspora coming back home to patronise its services in Lagos. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola

Centre seeks protection for child domestic workers  
General News , Health

Centre seeks protection for child domestic workers  

247 total views today

 

 

By Lilian U. Okoro

The Centre for Advancement and Protection of the Rights of Vulnerable People (CAPRIGHTS-VP) has called for the protection of child domestic workers,  from widespread maltreatment and exploitation across Nigeria.

The advocacy centre spearheading the “Protect Child Domestic Workers (PCDW) from Maltreatment” programme, noted that thousands of children, some as young as 10 years, were enduring hazardous conditions.

These conditions according to the centre, ranges from abuse to  the denial of fundamental rights, despite existing legal safeguards.

The Grant/Programme Manager of CAPRIGHTS-VP, Ngozi Arinze, made the call during a school sensitisation outreach at the Muslim Junior College, Egbe, Lagos State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outreach has the theme: “Protecting Child Domestic Workers from Maltreatment”.

 

Centre for Advancement and Protection of the Rights of Vulnerable People (CAPRIGHTS-VP) school sensitisation outreach on protection of CDWs,  at the Muslim Junior College, Egbe, Lagos State, on Wednesday

 

Arinze, also a lawyer, educated the students on their five basic rights as children, listing  them as the right to education, health, safety, family life and recreation/play.

She said that while some child domestic workers enjoyed good treatments from their guardians/employers, some were deprived of these rights .

“The deprived ones often endure harsh living and working conditions, with limited access to education and healthcare,” she said.

Arinze reminded the students that the ‘Child Rights Law’ stated that at all times, the best interest of the child should be the primary consideration.

She called for collective efforts to protect children serving as house helps, commonly referred to as “Omo-Odo”.

The Project Coordinator of CAPRIGHTS-VP, Mercy Joshua, anchored the interactive session, where she addressed the students and teachers in Yoruba.

The session was in line with the school’s observance of Yoruba-Speaking Day every Wednesday, as practised in the state’s  public schools.

Joshua said, “Every child has the right to education, just like each of you here today.

“No child should be deprived of this right, as education is the foundation of a brighter future.

“Education helps shape children into responsible adults and plays a major role in reducing the number of dysfunctional families in our society,”.

During the interactive session, some students, however, stated  that some CDWs were indeed present in their school.

They committed to reporting any observed cases of abuse, whether among fellow students, within the community, or at home, moving forward.

Joshua  encouraged both students and teachers to report cases of child abuse or maltreatment, particularly those involving CDWs, to CAPRIGHTS-VP.

She assured them that all reported cases would be handled confidentially and appropriately referred through CAPRIGHTS-VP’s partnerships with government ministries, health institutions and other NGOs.

Also, the organisation’s Communications Officer, Ugwueze Chinecherem, demonstrated how to call the toll-free helplines (0800 800 8001 or 0800 004 4444) emphasising that the call was free.

She stressed that the  provision was made to eliminate any excuses and ensured that every child could report abuse or rights violations, without financial barriers.

An official of the school who pleaded anonymity,  expressed deep appreciation to CAPRIGHTS-VP for their consistent commitment and sacrifices in championing the rights of vulnerable children.

She encouraged both teachers and students to make use of the toll-free lines to report any case of abuse or rights violations.

No fewer than 800 students and 20 teachers were in attendance at the school assembly for the outreach. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Vivian Ihechu

Traditional ruler urges men to treat women as equals
Gender , General News

Traditional ruler urges men to treat women as equals

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By Henry Oladele

 The Oniru of Iru, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal Abisogun II, on Tuesday urged men to treat women as equals and not as property.

He made the call during Nigeria’s 3rd Men-Only Townhall Meeting, held at Oniru Palace, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event’s theme was: ‘Strengthening Family and Community Bonds: The Role of Men in Protecting Women and Girls’.

Community leaders, religious figures, and professionals attended the event to explore ways to promote cultural accountability and shared responsibility.

“Men must stop viewing women as possessions. Women deserve equal rights, voices, and aspirations,” Oba Lawal said.

He further urged men to challenge all forms of abuse and create safe, supportive spaces for women.

In his opening remarks, Lawal highlighted the weight of fatherhood and the need for men to continue learning.

He stressed the important role religious leaders play in protecting women and girls through education and advocacy.

He pledged Iru community’s support for such programmes, including financial backing for future initiatives.

Chief Abayomi Daramola, Balogun of Iru and Chairman of the meeting, addressed Nigeria’s parenting challenges.

He emphasised a father’s key role in shaping children’s values and character within the home.

Keynote Speaker, Mr Balogun Murtala, called on men to raise empathetic sons and reject the marginalisation of women.

“Men must foster environments where women can thrive and express themselves freely,” he said.

He called for communities to spread messages of care and responsibility towards women and girls.

Sheikh Abulabeebah, Chief Imam and Director at Daaru-Sa’aadah Islamic Centre, stressed early education on marriage and equality for boys.

He urged men to commit fully to protecting and caring for women and girls.

Mr Olamilekan Adewale, a Pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, spoke on love and accountability.

He advised men to lead by example and raise children with solid moral foundations.

The Ashipa of Odi Olowo community, Mr Deji Oluwalonimi, said many African problems begin at home.

He urged traditional and royal institutions to confront these issues directly and openly.

NAN reports that the meeting stressed teaching boys cultural values that promote respect for women.

Financial responsibility remains a key role for men, as traditional providers in families.

Participants agreed that caring for women and girls is a duty, not a choice, for all institutions. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Hospital introduces robotic surgery to prostate management procedures
Health

Hospital introduces robotic surgery to prostate management procedures

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By Vivian Ihechu

As part of its expertise in minimally invasive procedures particularly for prostates, Kelina Hospital is set to introduce Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP)- robotic surgery.

The Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Celsus Undie, made the assertion during a media briefing in Lagos on Friday.

L-R: Dr Vincent Obiwuru , Consultant Anaesthetist;  Dr Bertin Njinou,Consultant Urologist;  Dr Celsus Undie, Consultant Urologist and President of Kelina Hospital; Erica  Idoko, Corporate Relations Manager, Kelina Hospital Lagos, during a news conference on Friday, April 18, 2025.

 

Undie noted that April 2025 was a milestone in Kelina Hospital as the facility marked the feat of  6,000 surgical operations since inception in 2008.

“So, this month, April, we are marking a milestone in our range of achievements, particularly concerning one of the commonest surgeries we do at Kelina Hospital, known as HoLEP.

“Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HolEP).

“Also, Kelina Hospital marks 500 HoLEP surgeries in six years. Kelina was the first hospital to do HoLEP in Nigeria in 2018.

“We’re introducing robotic surgery as well.

“They’re basically the same, just that in the case of robotic surgery, we use the robots to move the equipment in the body.’’

Undie noted that HoLEP  is done for enlarged prostate obstructing urine flow.

“If obstruction is significant and is not relieved, it could damage the kidney, among other damages that it could cost, some of them life-threatening.

“HoLEP  is superior to TURP or Open  Prostate surgery  as patients lose less blood, spend less time on catheters, spend less time on hospital admission , recover faster  and return to work earlier.

“The American Urological Association and the European Association of Urology both recommend HoLEP  as the best for prostates that are more than 80 to 100g in size.

“Patients who cannot pass urine and are catheterised  are advised never to carry their catheters for several weeks before prostate surgery, as  this causes  a lot of complications including infection’’.

He expressed happiness that Dr Bertin Njinou Ngninkeu,  a robotic surgeon, was joining the team.

According to him, Ngninkeu is a regular surgeon with the hospital, licensed to practice in Nigeria, and licensed by the American Medical Council to be with them.

Undie said it was disturbing that many Nigerians travelled abroad for even minor procedures.

He affirmed that Kelina hospital was equipped to offer similar health care services at even more affordable cost.

He encouraged Nigerians to seek treatment at Kelina Hospital instead of traveling abroad for routine procedures.

“We offer comparable, if not superior, care with advanced technology right here in Nigeria.”

“It is disheartening to see people fly abroad for routine procedures like appendectomy, hernia repair, lipoma excision, or prostate biopsy.

“These are procedures that typically take less than an hour.

“Travelling 12 hours for such minor surgeries not only reflects poorly on us, but it also exposes patients to unnecessary risk.

“Several patients have returned from overseas with complications, including infections, after minor procedures like prostate biopsy.

“We are just introducing new technology’’.

Erica Idoko, Head of Corporate Relations, Kelina Hospital, said staff and surgeons working in the hospital were periodically sent for training across the world to ensure the best knowledge and expertise is gained to give better health services to the public.

According to Idoko, the hospital also gives room for partnership with surgeons from around the world as long as they are licensed to operate in Nigeria

Dr Bertin Ngninkeu,  a  Urologist, emphasised the increasing prevalence of prostate cancer among black men globally, citing genetic factors as a primary reason.

Ngninkeu, a Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgeon, emphasised  the importance of early detection through Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood tests starting at age 40 for individuals with risk factors, such as a family history of prostate cancer.

According to him, timely diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes.

He also highlighted the benefits of good nutrition and said that people should consume food items like broccoli, cucumber, garlic, green tea, and cooked tomatoes, to help in cancer prevention.

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

TCI, DEVCOMS seek increased efforts to promote access to FP, safe motherhood 
Health

TCI, DEVCOMS seek increased efforts to promote access to FP, safe motherhood 

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By Lillian U. Okoro

Continued investment, political will, and community-driven action are critical to promoting access to Family Planning (FP) services and safe motherhood across the country, the  Development Communications Network (DEVCOMS) says.

The Project Lead, DEVCOMS,  Mr Onche Odeh, made the assertion in commemoration of the 2025 Motherhood Day in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the day, celebrated annually on April 11, aims to raise awareness about maternal health, had the 2025 theme as: “Healthy Beginnings; Hopeful Futures”.

Odeh said that more was still required to be done to ensure that family planning services reached every woman, man, and young person who needed them—no matter where they lived.

He decried the loss of thousands of women to pregnancy related complications annually in Nigeria.

According to him, many of these deaths are preventable through proper spacing and voluntary family planning.

He said as the world commemorates the 2025 Safe Motherhood Day, “Nigeria celebrates a quiet but powerful revolution safeguarding the lives of mothers and children: the rise in access to FP and childbirth spacing services across the country”.

According to him, states across Nigeria are translating family planning commitments into visible progress.

He explained that through government leadership, community engagement, youth-centred services, and strategic partnerships, there were growing signs of impact.

“Health facilities are experiencing increased client trust and local governments are mobilising resources to reach more communities.

“Advocacy efforts are helping to reshape public perceptions—particularly through youth engagement, male involvement and outreach to underserved populations.

“Even in complex humanitarian settings, family planning is being integrated with maternal health services, ensuring continuity of care.

“Yet, despite these encouraging gains, much more remains to be done. Progress is not yet uniform and gaps in access, quality and equity persists.

“The path to safe motherhood is not just paved in hospitals. It starts with conversations, choice and community support,” Odeh said.

The Country Team Lead, The Challenge Initiative (TCI) Nigeria, Dr Taiwo Johnson, said that at the heart of this progress was TCI.

According to Johnson, the initiative is a proven model that puts local governments in the driver’s seat to sustainably scale reproductive health solutions.

He said TCI was launched in 2017 to transition the gains of the Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI) into a platform that empowers state governments to take ownership, scale up proven interventions, and drive impact across more states

He added that the initiative now had an expanded reach that included both urban and underserved rural areas.

He explained that in partnership with over a dozen state governments, TCI was making motherhood safer, families healthier and futures brighter.

According to him, TCI’s impact showed that when women have access to safe, affordable and culturally appropriate FP services, maternal mortality drops, newborn outcomes improve, and families thrive.

“Safe motherhood starts before the first contraction — it begins with informed choices, timely access to family planning, and a community that supports women at every step of their reproductive journey.

“What we are seeing in Nigeria today is a bold move from awareness to action, from promises to programs that truly save lives.

“TCI’s support has proven that states can lead their own reproductive health transformations.

“With growing political will, sustainable funding, and grassroots engagement, Nigeria is closer than ever to making safe motherhood not just a goal — but a guarantee,” Johnson said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yetunde Fatungase/Vivian Ihechu

Africa’s real GDP projected to grow by 4% in 2025- Afreximbank 
Economy/Business

Africa’s real GDP projected to grow by 4% in 2025- Afreximbank 

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By Okeoghene Akubuike

Africa’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to grow by 4.0 per cent in  2025, in spite global economic fragility,   says Afreximbank Research Report.

The 2025 African Trade and Economic Outlook (ATEO) Report, a research by Afreximbank, said Africa’s real GDP is projected to reach 4.1 per cent in 2026 and 4.2 per cent in 2027.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2025 African Trade and Economic Outlook (ATEO) provides an in-depth analysis of Africa’s economic and trade performance, projecting the continent’s growth trajectory in the short-to- medium term.

It highlights the key macroeconomic and trade developments shaping Africa’s recovery, detailing opportunities for sustainable growth amid heightening global and domestic uncertainties.

The  2025 ATEO report said  41 per cent of African economies were projected to grow by at least five per cent, nearly double the global rate of 21 per cent, reflecting the continent’s expanding role as a driver of global growth.

According to the report,  Africa’s gradual recovery would be supported by increased global demand for African exports, the disinflation trend, and the implementation of structural reforms to diversify African economies

The report said the  were  downside risks to the African economic outlook, including rising geopolitical tensions and fluctuating commodity prices.

“Economic slowdown in the United States and China may also impact the international financial conditions and the demand for African resources.

“Internal conflicts and climate change threaten stability and growth.”

However, the report said potential upside risks include the anticipated decline in global interest rates, which would begin in 2025 if geopolitical uncertainty remained unchanged, potentially enhancing access to financing.

“Additionally, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents an opportunity to boost economic integration and intra-African trade, reducing vulnerability to external shocks in the medium term.”

To address potential downside risks, the report suggests several short-term strategies which include  adopting a nuanced and proactive monetary policy stance, and enhancing resilience against climate-related and geopolitical disruptions.

Other strategies include boosting domestic consumption alongside the service sector and accelerating the implementation of the AfCFTA agreement.

In the medium term, the report said strategies should shift toward economic diversification through strategic investments in human capital development and workforce training within key emerging sectors.

“Additionally, efforts should be made to improve economic governance, public infrastructure, and initiatives to strengthen intra-African trade dynamics.”

The report highlighted several challenges and solutions for Africa to attain stability and sustainable development amid a rapidly uncertain global landscape.

The first challenge identified was Africa’s reliance on commodity exports which had made countries vulnerable to fluctuations in world commodity prices.

“To reduce their exposure to these price fluctuations, it is crucial to accelerate the structural shift to a more diversified and resilient economy.”

The second challenge identified was debt sustainability, with the report stating that several African countries allocate over 50 per cent of their revenues to debt servicing, due to their large development financing needs.

“Ensuring debt sustainability requires more efficient public spending and prioritisation of growth-oriented investment projects.”

The report said the third challenge involved human capital and skill development.

To tackle this challenge, the report suggests that governments should invest more resources to improve healthcare and promote collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“ Strengthening training in sciences and technology facilitates skill development and talent allocation, which is essential for successful structural transformation.”

It said the fourth challenge was the weak social outcomes of economic growth in Africa caused by slow progress in poverty reduction.

“To boost poverty-reducing potential growth, improving the provision of basic public infrastructure and services is vital, reducing dependency on natural resources through structural transformation.

“Addressing inequalities must be an integral part of sustainable development goals, ensuring equitable access to quality education, healthcare, energy, transport infrastructure, and financial services.”

The final challenge identified in the report was the growing concerns about environmental degradation and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.

“For sustainable economic development, promotion of green growth must align with comprehensive policy frameworks that address climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, while recognizing continental development needs and challenges.”

The 2025 ATEO  provides an in-depth analysis of Africa’s economic and trade performance, projecting the continent’s growth trajectory in the short-to-medium term. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Dialogue with exited pharmaceutical companies, Pharmacist urges Tinubu
Health

Dialogue with exited pharmaceutical companies, Pharmacist urges Tinubu

423 total views today

 

 

By Adeyemi Adeleye

A Nigerian pharmaceutical company, ST. RACHEAL’S Pharma, has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure return of all pharmaceutical firms that had left Nigeria because of economic challenges.

The Chairman of the firm, Mr Akinjide Adeosun, made the appeal on Saturday in Lagos at the commemoration of the company’s 7th anniversary.

Adeosun urged Tinubu to redouble efforts at tackling the rising cost of drugs and brain drain to improve the health conditions of Nigerians, especially the indigent.

According to him, the President should declare a state of emergency on health with a singular compelling objective to save lives of Nigerians experiencing excruciating economic hardship.

He listed healthcare areas that needed emergency attention to include hard and soft infrastructures.

“There is the need for an urgent engagement of exited pharmaceutical companies to bring back investment in Research and Development (R&D) to accelerate the renewed hope of manufacturing renaissance.

“The Minister of Trade and Investment is implored to champion this initiative.

“Part of the negotiation can include partnership with local manufacturers to position Nigeria as a hub strategically to harness export to African countries,” he said.

Adeosun also called for an urgent removal of import duty and levy on critical pharmaceutical products with inadequate local manufacturing capacity like antibiotics; antihypertensive and antidiabetics.

“This initiative will help to reduce cost of drugs in Nigeria,” the pharmacist said.

Speaking on soft infrastructure as the also need attention, Adeosun noted that there was a current dearth of state of the art medical education provided by the multinational pharmaceutical companies that left Nigeria.

“A revival of their interest in Nigeria will rekindle investment in human capacity of the health care practitioners, at par with their colleagues globally.

“To address the dwindling man power as a result of brain drain, admission numbers should be significantly increased in the schools of medicine and pharmacy across the country.

“An enabling working environment should be provided to attract Nigerians in the diaspora and other African healthcare professionals to practice in Nigeria,” the expert added.

Adeosun, however, commended the removal of import duty and Value Added Tax on active pharmaceutical ingredients by the President.

“This will go a long way – long term- to switch the current ratio of 60 per cent:40 per cent imported drugs versus locally produced drugs to 40 per cent:60 per cent imported versus locally produced drugs,” he said.

Making further case for the poor, the pharmacist urged the Federal Government to do everything possible to lessen the health burden of the vulnerable.

“While we support the various non-health palliatives being provided in the country, it is our considered opinion that enrolling indigent patients in health insurance (paid by government at the national and sub-national levels) in all parts of the country.

“This will impact positively on the people’s health thereby improving life expectancy in Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, since launch on March 29, 2018, ST.RACHEAL’S Pharma has excelled in the art of core commercial remits and in the process, delighting customers through the provision of value-added services of leadership, finance, customer care, distribution and technology.

He said that the Akinjide Adeosun Foundation (AAF), the non-profit organisation of ST.RACHEAL’S™ Pharma, has executed free medical mission and free leadership education in Nigeria, in resonance with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Experts advocate massive investment in energy, supply chain, AI for economic development
Economy/Business , General News , Health

Experts advocate massive investment in energy, supply chain, AI for economic development

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By Adeyemi Adeleye

Some experts and professionals have called for massive investment in renewable energy, efficient supply chains and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance businesses and catalyse Nigeria’s economy.

They spoke at the ST. RACHEAL’s People’s Consulting Ltd, 2025 Talent Development and Retention Summit Series 2, titled “Economic Opportunities”, on Saturday in Lagos.

Speaking virtually, a Business Analyst, Mr Oluwadara Adeosun, said that Nigeria was blessed with vast resources which should be explored for economic prosperity and to enhance quality of life.

Emphasising the critical role energy plays in businesses, Adeosun said that massive investment in renewable energy would be a game changer for the country.

Calling for collaboration between the public and private sectors in the development of renewable energy, the analyst said that this would positively impact all sectors of the economy including health and education.

“The opportunity is there should the private sector want to tap into it. It is a collaboration between the private and public.

“The opportunity in Nigeria is massive. We have oceanic waves, lakes, dams and solar.

“When we have more electricity in the country, it will improve quality of life, even our hospitals will be better,” Adeosun said.

Speaking, Dr Solomon Aigbavboa, a Supply Chain Expert, described supply chain as the lifeblood of any business either for individual or government.

According to Aigbavboa, supply chain leads to business success and sustainable sustainability, hence the need to ensure primary and secondary product flows in an effective and efficient manner for economic rebuilding.

He said that businesses needed supply chain because of high incidence of lost sales owing to sub-optimal production and inventory planning, harsh macro economy, inefficient maritime and inland transport distribution among others.

Aigbavboa said that supply chain management was critical in business for cost reduction, improved efficiency, practical action to mitigate risk and for customer satisfaction.

“Supply Chain management must be resilient to stand disruptions and absorb shocks.

“Supply Chain processes must be optimised ensuring consistency, efficiency, quality, and scalability

“If supply chain is not structured well, strong and dynamic, it will affect businesses.

“Supply chain enables businesses success, ensures business agility and responsiveness, sustainability, data -driven decision making, scalability and market expansion.

“We cannot do without supply chain if we must increase business activities,” he said.

He said that challenges of supply chain included power, infrastructure, inefficient distribution process, harsh macro-eneomy, forex, high outbound transport costs, diesels among others.

Also speaking, Head of Microsoft, Nigeria and Ghana, Mrs Olatomiwa Williams, who spoke on AI, said that the innovation was transforming businesses and unlocking economic growth for nations.

Williams, who joined virtually, said that any organisation could harness and adopt AI to drive efficiency and effectiveness, saying “AI is already fueling global economic space. A nation that adopts it will lead”.

According to her, Nigeria has a golden opportunity to leverage AI in key economic sectors including agriculture, finance, education, medicical diagnostics and prescription, manufacturing sector among others to compete with the rest of the world.

“AI has enormous opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs. It develops solutions, increases efficiency, job creations.

“We must continue to invest in AI innovations.

“It is important for everyone to collaborate. We need to look into our educational curriculum to ensure AI is embedded. AI revolution is not waiting for us, we must act faster.

“Business leaders should adopt AI, policy makers should create enabling environments for AI growth.

“Youths should embrace learning not just as customer but as innovators to grant economic prosperity, create new jobs and secure Nigeria,” Williams said.

She listed the challenges in AI ecosystem to include infrastructure, regulation uncertainties among other.

On concerns that AI could stifle creativity, Williams said that AI had not come to stop human creativity but to enhance it.

She, however, said that though Nigerian government had embraced the innovation,  there was still a long way to go in embracing technology.

Other speakers who spoke on businesses, economy and health in the nation included a Sales Expert, Mr Bunmi Adimula; a Tech Law expert, Mrs Ngozi Nwabueze; Mr Orji Uka, a Legal Practitioner with TEMPLARS, among others.

The Lead Visioner and Chairman of ST. RACHEAL’S PHARMA, Mr Akinjide Adeosun, said that the event was to bring in people of diverse backgrounds in their efforts to change the society.

Adeosun urged Nigerian leadership to invest in renewable energy especially solar to power businesses.

Adeosun said that Critical Success Factor (CSF) in anything business included strategic insight, clear communication and compelling Emotional Intelligence.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu

SRHR: Lives at risk without continued investment, Pathfinder warns
Health

SRHR: Lives at risk without continued investment, Pathfinder warns

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By Vivian Ihechu

With development funding becoming increasingly constrained, Pathfinder International is urging the adoption of innovative approaches and the fostering of diverse partnerships to continue serving women and girls, particularly in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

The organisation highlighted that the current stop-work order and broader funding constraints are creating significant challenges for healthcare delivery.

Amina Dorayi, Nigeria Country Director for Pathfinder International, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday.

NAN reports that in January 2025, USAID issued a blanket stop-work order to all its implementing partners, halting the implementation of USAID-funded activities.

Dorayi emphasised that without continued investment, thousands of lives in the countries where the organisation worked, Nigeria included were at risk each month.

“Hundreds of thousands will lose access to family planning services 228,240 clients, unintended pregnancies 210,389 and unsafe abortions 75,394 will surge, with avoidable maternal deaths 156 becoming a harsh reality,” she said.

She also pointed out the risk of women missing critical antenatal 352, delivery 1,004, and postpartum care 1,081, while survivors of gender-based violence 233 would be left without support.

Dorayi noted that any cuts to foreign aid would severely disrupt reproductive health services in Nigeria, especially Project 2025, which called for significant reductions in foreign aid, including critical global health programmes.

“This could lead to a rollback in FP2030 progress, leaving millions of women without access to contraceptives, declining maternal health services, and increasing preventable maternal deaths,” she warned.

She also highlighted the additional burden on Nigeria’s already overstretched healthcare system.

“In response to these challenges, Pathfinder is forging new partnerships with African governments, the private sector, and philanthropic organisations to reduce reliance on traditional donors.”

Dorayi added that the organisation was strengthening health information systems to optimise service delivery in spite of funding constraints.

She also discussed the importance of strengthening responses to gender-based violence (GBV), which remained a major barrier to SRHR in Nigeria.

“Pathfinder has integrated GBV response into primary healthcare, ensuring survivors receive medical and psychosocial support through our clinical and community-based interventions,” she said.

NAN reports that through its SRHR work, Pathfinder has reached millions globally, improving maternal and child health outcomes.

In Fiscal Year 2024, the organisation distributed 474 million contraceptive methods, serving 42 million clients with family planning services.

Additionally, 10.6 million pregnant women received antenatal care, and 7.6 million deliveries were supported.

Between 2020 and 2024, their efforts helped avert 32,000 maternal deaths (up from 7,000 in 2020), 28,000 unintended pregnancies (up from 5,000), and saved 2.2 billion dollars in healthcare costs (up from 443 million dollars).

Dorayi reaffirmed Pathfinder’s commitment to achieving the FP2030 goals in Nigeria, emphasising the organisation’s efforts to empower young people and improve healthcare services.

“With just five years left to achieve FP2030 targets, Pathfinder is accelerating efforts to ensure universal contraceptive access.

“Our programmes have trained healthcare workers, improved youth-friendly services, and transformed social and gender norms, making significant shifts in attitudes toward gender equality,” she said.

She assured that Pathfinder remained committed to ensuring that women and girls in Nigeria had full autonomy over their reproductive choices and access to quality healthcare.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

 

 

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