The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • ABCHealth, UNECA sign partnership to improve health in Africa

    ABCHealth, UNECA sign partnership to improve health in Africa

    The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the African Business Coalition for Health (ABCHealth) have signed a partnership to develop two key initiatives: the Healthcare and Economic Growth in Africa (HEGA 2) report, and the West Africa ‘African Continental Free Trade Area’ (AfCFTA)-anchored Pharma Initiative.

    The partnership between the two organisations, which will be jointly executed, is premised on the belief that every African has an undeniable right to quality, accessible and affordable healthcare. The relationship between health and economic growth has been effectively demonstrated by the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is now clear that more private sector involvement is required to support governments’ efforts on health.

    The Healthcare and Economic Growth in Africa (HEGA 2) is a follow up to the HEGA 1 report, which analysed a strategic direction for African countries to better engage with the private health sector to accelerate improvements in health.

    It examined Africa’s healthcare challenges and highlighted opportunities for the private sector. The report was launched in February 2019 on the margins of the 32nd African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government Summit in Addis Ababa. HEGA 2 aims to leverage innovation and extend the focus on building resilient national health systems in a post-COVID-19 era. The publication will offer robust evidence-based policy solutions to strengthen and build resilient healthcare and health infrastructure on the continent.

    The West Africa AfCFTA-anchored Pharma Initiative is the blueprint for the local production of drugs and medical equipment across West Africa. The initiative focuses on strengthening the supply side of West Africa’s health sector by mobilising investment and capital to develop domestic production of internationally accepted standards and quality. This initiative is an extension of the work that ECA conducted in collaboration with the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) and selected countries, which involved advocacy for local production of maternal and child care medicines; pooled procurement of same; and ensuring regulatory harmonisation and quality standards of medicines and products.

    Regarding the partnership, Aliko Dangote, Co-Founder of ABCHealth, noted: “With the coalition that ABCHealth is building across the continent, responsible business leaders and philanthropists will have a platform that enables them to make sustainable, large scale investments in health that transform African economies and people.”

    Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, ABCHealth Chairman, stated: “We are confident of the impact this partnership will bring to bear on the continent. It is our firm belief that with the public and private sectors working together, combining political will with business knowledge, Africa’s health sector can be built to the point, where it will deliver affordable health to Africans in an equitable manner.”

    Vera Songwe, ECA Executive Secretary, stated: “Investing in health is not just a social good, it also makes a good business case.  Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, business opportunities in the healthcare and wellness sector in Africa were estimated to be $259 billion by the year 2030, with the potential to create 16 million jobs. The pharmaceutical industry alone was estimated to be US$60 billion in 2020 and is still growing. The AfCFTA-anchored Pharma Initiative represents lucrative private sector investment and innovation opportunities that will change lives, reduce poverty and contribute to Africa’s inclusive and sustainable economic development.”

  • Cleric urges prayer to end pandemic

    Cleric urges prayer to end pandemic

    Archbishop  Ignatius Kaigama of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja has urged the church to invoke the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for the end of the Coronavirus pandemic.

    Kaigama, who gave the charge in his homily at St Anthony Jabi in Abuja, stressed that the church should ceaselessly pray against insecurity and other vices across the nation.

    He said the church should specially remember those most affected by the pandemic and insecurity by praying the Holy Rosary personally.

    “And, to link up to Catholic Shrines around the world where prayers will be going on.

    “The Holy Father is requesting that during this month of May, the month of Mary, the entire church should invoke the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for the end of the coronavirus pandemic.

    ”To specially remember those most affected by the pandemic by praying the Holy Rosary personally and linking up to Catholic Shrines around the world where prayers will be going on,” he said.

    The Archbishop, who also called for ceaseless prayer against insecurity and other vices, noted that the country was reckoned as one of the most religious nations on earth.

  • Contractors demand payment for medical equipment supplied to FCTA

    Contractors demand payment for medical equipment supplied to FCTA

    By Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

    Three hundred contractors working with the Federal Capital Territory Administration have asked to be paid for supplying medical wares, including personal protective equipment to fight COVID -19 pandemic last year.

    The contractors said the medical equipment they supplied last year were used in the management of the pandemic in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja by officials of the FCTA.

    They lamented that the management of the FCTA has reneged in the agreement to ensure that they get paid two weeks after supplying the equipment.

    Addressing reporters at the FCTA headquarters, one of the contractors, Noah Victor, said the FCTA has refused to pay them.

    He said: “We did medical supplies and consumables for the FCTA and for over a year now, we have not been paid. The authorities had told us that the payment will be after two weeks. We gave them products and services. After that two weeks, they came up with the idea of papers.

    “Up till now, the Permanent Secretary and minister have refused to call us. No form of sitting down to dialogue or the pattern they are going to adopt to pay us.

    ‘We are asking for all of our payments. This job is more than a year. We are appealing to them to demonstrate sincerity and understand with us. These are not times you owe people up to one year.”

  • Lagos community accuses firm of land grabbing

    Lagos community accuses firm of land grabbing

    By Chinyere Okoroafor

    The Okun-Obadore community in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State has accused Amen Estate and founders of Redbrick Homes Ltd, Shade and Tunde Gbadamosi, of trespassing on family land.

    Its residents staged a protest, claiming that the Gbadamosis forcibly took over 35 acres of their land.

    But the Gbadamosis denied the allegations, saying they were the legitimate owners of the property.

    They had petitioned the Lagos State Special Taskforce on Land grabbers to check the activities of persons masquerading as landowners.

    During the protest, members of the community displayed placards with inscriptions of their grievances.

    The lawyer representing the community, Dr. Prince Onweneke Williams-Joel, who spoke on their behalf, lamented that the residents were being unjustly intimidated.

    Williams-Joel said: “The Gbadamosis denied them access to their livelihood, as most of them are farmers and fishermen. The Inspector-General of Police needs to investigate these issues and allegations to avoid violence in the community.

    “To enable the valid and legal purchase of any land within the community, six families forming the main pillars of the community must be represented by two individuals, making a total number of 12 who would each attest to the sale of such land on behalf of their immediate kindred; these representatives have never had any transaction with Mrs Gbadamosi.”

    But, Shade Gbadamosi said they legitimately bought the land from the owners who were properly and legally resettled, adding that they had documentary evidence.

    According to her, there were gangs of landgrabbers, locally known as omo-onile and ajagungbale, who operate under the cover of local communities, and sometimes procured by unscrupulous land speculators masquerading as real estate developers.

    “They sell fake land to unsuspecting people who usually end up losing their savings to these charlatans.

    “They have become such a serious problem to the people of Lagos that they necessitated the creation of the Anti-Land Grabbing Committee by the state government.

    “We have petitioned the said committee and the hearing is still ongoing.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • MICA plans Sallah Funfair

    MICA plans Sallah Funfair

    The Movement for Islamic Culture and Awareness (MICA) Kaduna Branch said plans were on to host Sallah Funfair.

    Chairman Organizing Committee, Mallam Abdulmajeed Salaudeen, said the funfair was to regulate undiluted fun as much as possible.

    He said: “MICA provides an atmosphere where kids play games, enjoy horse rides without necessarily listening or dance to profane music yet enjoy themselves. It also provides a lifetime opportunity for kids to meet and interact with one another.”

    The organization, he said, provides different kind of games, foods and drinks for the kids including adults for free in the time past.

    “It’s not going to be made entirely free this year except if donations are received in cash and kind. Although, a fee is yet to be set for this year’s Sallah Get-Together. We hope individuals, corporate organisations and families will support this Initiative. The beauty of the event is that, the fun therein is regulated and Sunnah-compliant. Coronavirus prevented us from organising it last year,” he said.

     

  • I‘TIKAF

    I‘TIKAF

    By Femi Abbas

    The world’s greatest teacher, that ever live, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) will never cease to be a teacher of teachers even in death. It was he who first recognized communication as the greatest means of fulfilling temporal desire as well as attaining spiritual satisfaction. Thus, he recommended it to the Muslim Ummah.

    One of the features of Ramadan fast is I’tikaf which simply means seclusion. It comes up during the last ten days of the sacred month.

    Its purpose is to completely abstain from all sinful acts and enhance one’s spiritual standing. I’tikaf or self seclusion is adopted by any Muslim who wants to get closer to the Almighty Allah through the spiritual realm.

    With I’tikaf, a Muslim can attain inner composure and equanimity while he is absorbed in eternal reality. For the eight years of fasting (624-632 CE that he spent in his latter period in Madinah, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) regularly observed I’tikaf in the last ten days of every Ramadan.

    And, after him, his wives and succeeding companions adhered to that tradition as a means of purifying the heart and attaining peace of the mind.

    I’tikaf is mostly done in the Mosque but it can also be done in a house especially by women if the house is clean and free of disturbance. While in I’tikaf the Mu’takif or recluse is expected to observe all the five daily prayers and other Nawafil (supererogatory genuflections). He is also to engage in the recitation of the Qur’an and the glorification of Allah. He seeks forgiveness and shows gratitude to the Creator and Protector of the universe for all the countable and uncountable good things of life with which he has been endowed.

    While in I’tikaf, one is not expected to move around beyond the vicinity of the Mosque or house in which he is secluded. Foods and drinks are brought to him by his wife or relations. He goes to the toilet and takes bath as necessary. But he is not to go about in vehicles during the time of I’tikaf except by necessity.

    I’tikaf is Sunnah (voluntary) and not obligatory for anybody. Only those who have the time and the means can go into it. Daily paid workers who must provide for their families and salary earners who are not on leave are advised not to go into I’tikaf. Wives and children must not suffer from lack of domestic provisions just because the family bread winner has gone into I’tikaf. And, women are not permitted to go into I’tikaf leaving their husbands and children at home. That can only happen with the permission of the husband.

    But where a woman is unmarried or is old and has no responsibility of providing for the husband or children, she can go into I’tikaf.

    People in I’tikaf can cook their foods and wash their dresses. All these must however have been taken along from home. A recluse is not supposed to break the I’tikaf by going to the market in search of needed provisions. A sick person is not expected to go into I’tikaf. But if a person suddenly falls sick while in I’tikaf, it is necessary for him to break the I’tikaf and go to the hospital. He may return into I’tikaf if he is well.

    Also, if there is any emergency in the matrimonial home of the recluse or even in the neighbourhood, which requires an urgent attention, the recluse must break the I’tikaf and attend to such emergency promptly.

    I’tikaf does not extend to the day of ‘Idul Fitr. It must be terminated as soon as Ramadan fast ends. A woman’s I’tikaf terminates automatically with the commencement of her menstruation. We pray Allah to accept our I‘tikaf as an act of ‘Ibadah Amin.

  • COVID-19: Don’t joke with vaccine, says DG

    COVID-19: Don’t joke with vaccine, says DG

    By Tajudeen Adebanjo

    Director-General of Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Prof. Babatunde Lawal Salako, has urged Nigerians to take the COVID-19 vaccine to reduce the spread of the virus.

    He spoke during the 16th Ramadan lecture of the University of Lagos Muslim Community (UMC) at UMC Auditorium, Akoka, Lagos.

    Prof Salako, who chairman event, said: “When people refuse to be vaccinated, that simply means Nigeria will not reach herd immunity. When we do not reach herd immunity, it means that the infection will raid on and if an infection continues to rage, it means people will continue to die.

    “If you refuse to take the vaccine you are not only doing a disservice to yourself, but you are also doing a disservice to the rest of us in the community,” he said.

    He condemned the false COVID-19 vaccine claims trending on social media.

    “…for every new drug, there will be a side effect. There is no perfect drug. In fact, all drugs are poison and they should not be taken unless it is absolutely necessary. Even the common paracetamol that we take has side effects, but your chances of living longer are much better than the side effect that you are going to get,” Prof Salako said.

    Chairman of UMC, Prof. Lai Olurode, stressed the need for all hands to be on deck to combat and control the menace of COVID-19.

    Coronavirus, Prof Olurode said, has affected the Ummah in a variety of ways.

    The Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, said the pandemic has proven to the world that all power and might belong to Allah.

    He said: “This coronavirus has proven to the entire world that we are nothing. Had it been those that said they have the power to heal really have the power they ought to go to the isolation center to heal those who are infected with the virus”.

    He urged Muslims to pray and be patient in the face of the current pandemic.

    “Muslims should, therefore, pray for Allah’s help and protection, and obey Allah, His Prophet, adhere to government instructions.

    “The Holy Prophet (SAW) said: ‘If you hear of an outbreak of plague in a land, do not enter it; but if the plague breaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place.

    “It has been widely recognised that preparing for a pandemic is a community effort that we should all take part to reduce the impact of this virus in our communities and the world,” he said.

    He added that this is not the first time the world has witnessed a pandemic, noting that COVID-19 was only more severe and deadly than the previous epidemics.

  • Cleric urges Muslims to increase devotions

    Cleric urges Muslims to increase devotions

    An Abuja-based Islamic Cleric, Imam Yahya Al-Yolawi, has urged Muslims to increase act of worship and devotion to Allah to maximize reward in the last 10 days of the month of Ramadan.

    Al-Yolawi, who is the Chief Imam of Area 10 Garki Abuja Jumma’at Mosque, gave the advice while delivering jumma’at sermon titled, “Last 10 Days of Ramadan,” on Friday in Abuja.

    He explained that the last 10 days of Ramadan are special days in the lifetime of every Muslim, adding that they are the most blessed days in the month of Ramadan.

    According to him, scholars say that, although the Prophet’s sins are forgiven, he is to devote himself even more in worship during these last 10 days, hoping to become closer to Allah.

    “The Prophet used to tighten his waist belt and used to pray all night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers.

    “For Muslims, the last 10 days should be a period to perfect one’s fasting and avoid anything that may break it. It is also a time to give more charity and to settle disputes and forgive one another.

    “It is also a time for soul searching, evaluating one’s life, supplicating, and asking for forgiveness.

    “This should be done sincerely because if Allah accepts one’s supplications, the reward is the expiation of one’s sins.”

    Al-Yolawi, therefore, enjoined Muslims to reactivate themselves in the last 10 blessed days of Ramadan, noting that Muslims must not miss the great opportunity, “otherwise they will regret it forever.

    “We should strive to seek out the night of destiny, that is hidden in one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, particularly in the odd-numbered nights.”

    “Witnessing that night in worship is better than 1,000 months or 83 years six months of worship,” he said.

    The cleric advised Muslims to observe mid-night prayers, adding that whoever prays at night in Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins would be forgiven.

  • JNI urges Muslims to intensify prayers for peace

    JNI urges Muslims to intensify prayers for peace

    By AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

    The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has urged Muslims to use the last 10 days of Ramadan to intensify prayers for peace and prosperity in the country.

    The JNI made the appeal in a statement issued in Kaduna by its Secretary-General, Dr Khalid Aliyu.

    The JNI also implored Muslims to fervently engage in supplications and dedication to the worship of Allah, amidst the daunting challenges and uncertainties bedevilling the country.

    It said the government should be more alive to its primary responsibility of safeguarding the lives and property of citizens.

    “We must individually and collectively strive more to earn Allah’s forgiveness and mercy in this blessed month.

    “Thus, the Nigerian Muslims are called upon to sustain the tempo of worshiping Allah and maximize these last days by reciting more of the Glorious Qur’an.

    “More importantly, we should pray for an end to the myriad of security imbroglio in Nigeria.”

    It further urged Muslims to support the poor, the needy and orphans in the society, “especially now that many families are finding it very unbearable as a result of biting economic challenges bedevilling the country.”

    “We call on the Muslim faithful to intensify prayers for the Ummah against all manner of misfortunes, relief and succour for the myriads of economic and security challenges hampering the nation,” it added.

    The JNI advised Muslims not to return to abominable acts after Ramadan, “as the Lord of Ramadan remains the Lord of the Worlds and He takes account of all our actions”.

     

  • Foundation fetes private school teachers

    Foundation fetes private school teachers

    By Tajudeen Adebanjo

    Fourteenth Moon Foundation has distributed food items to Muslim teachers in Lagos State for Iftar and Sahur.

    The foundation said about 33 teachers benefitting from the food distribution.

    Among the schools whose teachers benefitted from the gesture are MIMS Nursery and Primary School, An-Nur Nursery and Primary school, MIMS Comprehensive College, Anuoluwapo Nursery and Primary, Virile Kids and Epitome Nursery and Primary School.

    Founder of the Fourteenth Moon Foundation, Qasim Badrudeen, said the food items were sponsored by Jaiz Foundation.

    Badrudeen explained that the distribution was to assist the teachers, who have been affected by COVID-19 and the harsh economic situation.

    The founder, however, appealed to beneficiaries to make judicious use of the food items given to them.

    He also commended Jaiz Foundation for partnering with the foundation, urging more organisations to do the same.

    Badrudeen said: “Today, we have been able to give food items to private school Muslim teachers with the support of the Jaiz Foundation. You can see that the joy in the teachers knew no bounds. A lot of Muslims need to be supported but we have very limited resources.

    “This distribution is the first phase for this Ramadan, we intend to share more things. I appeal to well-meaning Nigerians to tap from the reward of feeding fasting Muslims. It is a very beneficial project in the sight of Allah.”