The Nation Newspaper

Category: Health

  • Nurses, midwives give FG 15-day ultimatum, threaten nationwide strike

    Nurses, midwives give FG 15-day ultimatum, threaten nationwide strike

    The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the federal government, threatening a nationwide seven-day warning strike if their longstanding demands are not addressed.

    The resolution followed an emergency meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC), held virtually on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from the NANNM National Secretariat in Abuja.

    The meeting was convened in response to a recent circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) concerning the review of allowances for health workers.

    In a communique jointly signed by National President Haruna Mamman and General Secretary Dr. T.A. Shettima, the association announced that the ultimatum would take effect from Monday, July 14.

    NANNM described the circular as disappointing, inadequate, and discriminatory, arguing that it failed to reflect the vital roles and sacrifices made by nurses and midwives in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

    Following the communique issued after the meeting, Mamman said the NEC condemned the circular and expressed deep concern that several of the association’s demands, previously presented to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, have yet to be addressed. 

    He listed unresolved issues, including the gazetting of the nurses’ scheme of service approved by the National Council on Establishments in 2016, implementation of a 2012 National Industrial Court judgment, an upward review of professional allowances, and the employment of more nursing personnel.

    Other demands, according to the Communique are the creation of a Department of Nursing in the Federal Ministry of Health, inclusion of nurses in key policy-making roles, fair representation on boards of federal health institutions, centralized posting of graduate nurses for internships, and recognition of consultancy roles for nurses and midwives.

    “If the Federal Government fails to provide concrete and satisfactory responses within that period, nurses and midwives across the country will commence a one-week warning strike immediately after the deadline.

    “NANNM called on the government to immediately revisit the controversial circular, engage in constructive dialogue with the association, and implement lasting solutions to the challenges facing the profession,” he said. 

    While reaffirming their commitment to providing quality healthcare, the NEC emphasized that nurses and midwives cannot continue to deliver such services under conditions of poor welfare, injustice, and neglect.

    Read Also: Patients lament as Ondo hospitals scale down services over doctors’ strike 

    The association urged the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Assembly, and the general public to intervene to prevent the looming industrial action, which could further strain Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system.

    To further clarify the association’s position, Mamman emphasized that the ultimatum issued by the association is entirely independent of the Nigerian Medical Association’s (NMA) reaction to the recent circular by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) on medical officers’ allowances.

    He said: “Nurses make up about 60 to 65 percent of the entire health workforce in Nigerian hospitals. Ideally, there should be a proper department in the Federal Ministry of Health that focuses on nursing. But that doesn’t exist. 

    “What we have is a Director of Nursing Services, but that director doesn’t even head an official department. That’s what we’re fighting for the proper creation and recognition of a Department of Nursing Services.

    “This isn’t a demand that started today. We’ve been on this matter for years. We even took the Federal Government to court in 2020 over it. We stayed in court for two years, and in 2022, we got a favourable judgment from the National Industrial Court. 

    “We’ve submitted letters, sent reminders, engaged in countless dialogues, and yet, nothing concrete has been done. Promises are made, but they’re not kept especially by the Ministry of Health.

    “So when people ask us why we are demanding a Department of Nursing now, the truth is we’ve always demanded it. It’s just that the government keeps ignoring us. And now, we are saying enough is enough.

    “The issue of consultancy also comes in. In every professional field, whether health or non-health, we have consultants. Nursing is no exception. We have nurses who have met all the required criteria to be appointed as consultants. Some are still waiting; some are on the verge of being appointed but the system hasn’t allowed it to take root.

    “The consultancy cadre in nursing hasn’t been operationalized. That is one of our long-standing demands. The government knows this. These demands were presented to the current Minister of Health when he assumed office, almost two years ago. So, they can’t say they’re unaware. We’ve been very clear from the beginning.

    “On the issue of disparity in remuneration, let me be clear, we’re not against the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps programme or the recent deployment of doctors to St. Lucia. 

    “That’s not the issue. Our problem is the glaring difference in pay. Nigerian doctors going abroad are getting about N₦3m monthly under the scheme, while back home, nurses and midwives are barely recognized or compensated adequately. That kind of disparity is dangerous, it’s one of the reasons we are losing our professionals to other countries.

    “So, if nothing is done after the 15-day notice, we will withdraw our services. We will boycott the health sector. That’s the reality. We’ve exercised patience. We’ve used all peaceful and administrative channels available. But when the government continues to renege on agreements and court judgments, what other options do we have?

    “We are always open to dialogue but dialogue must come with action. We’re not asking for anything new. We are asking for the implementation of existing agreements, court judgments, and structural recognition that is long overdue.”

  • NACA ramps up efforts to end HIV by 2030 amid declining global support

    NACA ramps up efforts to end HIV by 2030 amid declining global support

    The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) is stepping up efforts to achieve Nigeria’s 2030 goal of eliminating HIV as a public health threat, even as international donor funding continues to wane.

    As of 2023, about 140,000 children under the age of 14 are living with HIV in Nigeria, with 22,000 new infections and 15,000 AIDS-related deaths recorded among children. 

    The coverage for Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and pediatric HIV remains below 33%—a far cry from the 95% global target.

    To address these gaps, NACA Director General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, announced that the 7th meeting of the National Council on AIDS (NCA) will take place in Lagos this August.

    Organized in collaboration with the Lagos State Agency for the Control of AIDS, the meeting will focus on the theme: “Advancing National HIV Sustainability Agenda in the Changing Global Policy on Aid.”

    Dr. Ilori, who also chairs the Council, said the gathering would provide a critical platform for re-aligning Nigeria’s HIV response to match shifting global aid policies. 

    She added that the forum will unite stakeholders across various sectors—tuberculosis, malaria, reproductive health, civil society, faith-based groups, donors, and development partners—for comprehensive and coordinated action.

    “As donor landscapes evolve, Nigeria must take bold steps to ensure that HIV prevention, treatment, and support remain accessible and resilient. 

    Read Also: NOA, NACA partner to strengthen HIV prevention

    “The Council offers us a unified platform to chart that future,” Dr. Ilori said, emphasizing the strategic importance of the meeting.

    The gathering, the DG said, will review the implementation of resolutions adopted during the 6th NCA and evaluate Nigeria’s progress toward HIV sustainability goals, adding that it will also set technical and strategic direction for the next phase of the country’s HIV response.

    She, however, emphasised that a communique outlining outcomes and next steps will be issued at the end of the deliberations.

    In a statement on Thursday by the Chairman of the event’s Planning Committee, Dr. Daniel Ndukwe, the meeting will feature technical sessions over two days, followed by a one-day Council session where key decisions and policy directions will be adopted, she said.

    Ndukwe, urged stakeholders to submit policy and implementation memoranda for consideration ahead of the meeting. 

    These inputs, he said, could help shape future policy and operational frameworks.

    Delegates expected at the meeting include State Commissioners for Health, Heads of State Agencies for the Control of AIDS (SACAs), officials from the Federal Ministry of Health, directors from NACA and sister agencies, representatives of civil society, patient advocacy groups, faith-based organizations, and donor and development partners from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    According to him, the agenda includes three thematic tracks: advancing the national HIV sustainability agenda in a changing global aid landscape; promoting multi-sectoral approaches to HIV and related developmental diseases; and strengthening sub-national structures to improve health systems and ensure sustainable responses.

    A special gala night hosted by the Governor of Lagos State will recognize key stakeholders and celebrate progress made in the fight against HIV in Nigeria.

    The National Council on AIDS was established under the NACA Act of 2006 as the apex body guiding Nigeria’s multi-sectoral HIV/AIDS response. 

    It also provides policy direction, fosters stakeholder engagement, and coordinates strategic planning to advance the national goal of ending the HIV epidemic.

  • WHO issues first global guidelines on dengue, zika, yellow fever, chikungunya

    WHO issues first global guidelines on dengue, zika, yellow fever, chikungunya

    The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday announced the release of new clinical guidelines for the management of arboviral diseases, including dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever.

    This is the first time WHO is issuing a single, comprehensive set of global recommendations covering all four diseases, which are transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. 

    The guidelines aim to equip health care providers with the tools and knowledge to deliver timely and effective care for suspected or confirmed cases.

    Once mostly confined to tropical and subtropical climates, arboviral diseases are now spreading to new regions, driven by climate change, rapid urbanisation, population growth, and increased global travel. 

    According to WHO, more than 5.6 billion people are currently at risk of infection.

    Health experts say the symptoms of these diseases often mimic each other and can resemble other fever-related illnesses, making diagnosis especially difficult, more so in regions where multiple arboviruses circulate at the same time and diagnostic capacity is limited.

    Read Also: International Council of Beverages Associations tackles WHO on SSB Tax

    “With the increasing frequency and scale of outbreaks, health care workers must be equipped to quickly identify and treat these diseases using the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidance,” WHO said in a statement.

    The new guidelines provide detailed recommendations for managing both mild and severe forms of the diseases, and are adaptable across all levels of the health system, from community-based care and primary health centres to emergency rooms and hospitals.

    By standardising care practices globally, WHO hopes to reduce complications, prevent deaths, and improve patient outcomes, particularly in vulnerable and resource-limited settings.

    The guidelines come at a time when dengue outbreaks are surging in several parts of the world, with Latin America and Southeast Asia among the hardest-hit regions.

    Health officials and stakeholders have welcomed the guidelines, describing them as a timely response to an increasingly urgent public health challenge.

    As arboviral infections continue to expand their reach, the WHO stressed the need for countries to strengthen disease surveillance, invest in diagnostics, and train frontline health workers in effective clinical response.

  • HealthCap Africa launches Healthtech Unicorns report 2.0

    HealthCap Africa launches Healthtech Unicorns report 2.0

    HealthCap Africa has officially unveiled the second edition of its influential HealthTech Unicorns Report at a high-level physical launch and exclusive Founders Mixer held at the EbonyLife Place, Lagos.

    Themed “From Insights to Impact: Building Africa’s Next HealthTech Unicorns,” the event brought together leading investors, startup founders, policymakers, and ecosystem stakeholders to explore the future of Africa’s fast-growing healthtech sector.

    The 2025 HealthTech Unicorns Report provides a vivid, data-rich, and forward-looking snapshot of a sector that is lean, impact-driven, and increasingly global in reach. With a projected market size exceeding $11 billion, a 23% CAGR, and recent landmark exits like InstaDeep’s $550 million acquisition, the report positions Africa not as a peripheral market but as a launchpad for global healthtech innovation.

    The report examines transformative trends, encompassing AI-powered diagnostics, frugal innovation, biotech breakthroughs, and SMS-based women’s health tools, highlighting the continent’s capacity to leapfrog outdated healthcare models. Speaking on its importance, Dr. Ola Brown, Founder and General Partner at HealthCap Africa, said, “Africa isn’t catching up, we’re setting the pace; proving that innovation under constraint can be a competitive advantage. This report is our evidence and our call to action to fund bold founders solving the affordability crisis in healthcare globally.”

    Tom Davies, The Collaborator-in-Chief (CiC)’, TVCLabs, added, “This report is more than a publication, it’s a blueprint. The most capital-efficient health tech startups in the world are emerging from Africa. We have founders who can solve for Lagos and the world simultaneously and the opportunity is now.”

    The event also featured a compelling fireside chat between Dr. Ola Brown and Mrs. Margaret Olele, Chief Executive Officer of the American Business Council Nigeria. Their conversation explored the current state and future of healthcare in Africa, delving into key challenges, emerging investment opportunities, and insights from their experiences in business leadership. They also discussed strategies for supporting healthcare founders and advancing women’s health across the continent’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

    Mr. Oladayo Afolabi, Vice President of Finance at LifeBank, a Lagos-based healthcare technology and logistics company, also delivered a presentation on the organization’s work across the continent.

    Read Also: First Lady inaugurates 30-bed primary health centre in Lagos

    The evening provided a dynamic platform for forging new partnerships and aligning on a shared vision: scaling inclusive, world-class healthtech ventures from Africa to the global stage.

    As global donor funding recedes and attention shifts to sustainable, private-sector solutions, HealthTech Unicorns Report 2.0 serves as both a milestone and a call to action. HealthCap Africa closed the event with a direct appeal to venture capital firms, institutional investors, development agencies, and government stakeholders: Do not simply read, fund.

    Key Insights from the Report showed that Africa’s largest healthtech exit in 2024 came from a biotech company, signalling a growing appetite for deep science ventures across the continent.

    Also, telehealth platforms (through Digital consultations and remote monitoring) are already demonstrating tangible public health benefits, reducing adverse maternal outcomes by more than 20%.

    Equally compelling is the momentum building around women’s health. Startups like HealthTracka are reaching underserved populations through low-bandwidth channels, such as SMS, with some pilots recording up to a 40% uptake in rural areas, providing evidence of both demand and accessibility.

    AI as an equaliser: African startups are delivering cost-effective AI deployments that rival, and in some cases outperform, higher-cost global counterparts.

    Over 30% of healthtech founders are returnees with global experience and local insight, bridging innovation and execution.

    HealthCap Africa is a leading healthtech-focused venture capital firm unlocking scalable innovation across the continent. With over 2 million patients reached, 15,000 maternal lives saved, and $100 million mobilised in follow-on capital, HealthCap backs founders building solutions that improve health access, affordability, and outcomes.

  • First Lady inaugurates 30-bed Primary Health Centre

    First Lady inaugurates 30-bed Primary Health Centre

    First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has inaugurated a 30-bed Primary Health Centre in Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.

    The ultra-modern health facility, built by the council, was inaugurated on her behalf by wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima.

    Commending the council for the project, Tinubu said it would enhance access to healthcare in the area.

    She also said the project aligned with the present administration’s agenda, which prioritises affordable healthcare for all Nigerians.

    “This project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises the health and well-being of all Nigerians, especially women and children.

    “I commend the Executive Chairman, Mr Fuad Lawal, for his commitment to grassroots development. This PHC stands as a testament to what responsive and people-centred governance should be. This project is not only about the present, but also the future.”

    Senator Tinubu also appreciated the council for honouring her by naming the facility after her, urging residents to take ownership of the centre to ensure it serves its purpose.

    “I urge health workers, community leaders and residents of this community to take ownership of this centre. Also, I thank the chairman for naming it in my honour,” she said.

    Wife of the Lagos Governor, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, described the project as evidence of the Strategic Local Government Autonomy Policy introduced by President Tinubu, adding that it marked a significant turning point in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

    Read Also: Foundation ramps up health, education, empowerment projects

    “Today we are witnessing the dividends of the Strategic Local Government Autonomy Policy, formally introduced by His Excellency President Tinubu, which is a significant turning point in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

    “Lagos State wholeheartedly embraces this policy, and we commend the insightful leadership of Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA. The transformative and sustainable initiatives of the council have significantly improved the quality of life of residents of the community,” she said.

    Dr Sanwo-Olu also praised Executive Chairman of the LCDA, Fuad Lawal for his achievements in infrastructure development, economic empowerment, job creation, and social welfare, noting that his administration has transformed the LCDA into a more vibrant and developed community.

    The Chairman, Lawal, described the health centre as one of the impactful projects delivered since he assumed office in 2017.

    “The PHC will serve the entire community by providing prompt medical attention. The bold economic reforms of President Tinubu, such as removal of fuel subsidy and granting of local government autonomy, greatly helped to deliver this project.

    “We believe that true governance is realistic and possible, and I know that my successor will not start from scratch but consolidate on all the things we have put in place for our people,” he added.

  • Kaduna targets 5,000 girls in fresh push against HIV, GBV

    Kaduna targets 5,000 girls in fresh push against HIV, GBV

    Kaduna State has launched an ambitious drive to empower 5,000 adolescent girls and young women with life-saving knowledge on sexual and reproductive health, HIV prevention, and gender-based violence (GBV), in a bid to curb rising vulnerabilities among the state’s young female population.

    The initiative, tagged Girls Leading Change (GLC) Project, was formally unveiled at a strategic inception meeting held at Triumphant International Hotel, Kaduna, drawing stakeholders from civil society groups, health agencies, and youth-focused organisations.

    Project lead Esther Ilesomi said the programme is designed to build the capacity of adolescent girls to make informed health choices and serve as peer educators within their communities.

    “We are focused on equipping these girls with the knowledge and skills to prevent HIV, sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, and to avoid risky situations that compromise their futures,” she said.

    The Kaduna State AIDS Control Agency (KADSACA) underscored the urgency of early intervention, stressing that ignorance remains one of the biggest drivers of abuse and exploitation. “Many adolescent girls are attacked or preyed upon by people they trust simply because they lack the right information. Teaching them to recognise abuse and speak up is vital,” a KADSACA official noted.

    Read Also: Education is Kaduna’s weapon against poverty, insecurity — Uba Sani

    The GLC project will unfold in phases, beginning with a pilot in Zaria, where 100 girls and 20 frontline health workers have already been trained to act as community champions. The project zeroes in on conflict-affected and hard-to-reach rural areas, with funding support from Y+ Global under the Gender Equality Fund.

    Under the initiative, targeted advocacy engagements, intensive health worker training, and peer-led community outreach will be deployed to close persistent gaps in health education and gender equality across Kaduna State.

    “This is about giving girls the power to protect their bodies, their futures, and their voices,” Ilesomi said. “We are not just running a programme, we are building a movement.”

  • Why 43 million Nigerians remain at risk of river blindness – NIMR researchers

    Why 43 million Nigerians remain at risk of river blindness – NIMR researchers

    Researchers at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) have raised concerns that over 43 million Nigerians are still at risk of contracting river blindness, also known as onchocerciasis.

    River blindness is a disease caused by a parasite (Onchocerca volvulus) spread by the bite of black flies that breed around fast-moving rivers, especially in rural areas. It can lead to severe skin problems and blindness if untreated.

    According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 99% of infected people live in Africa and Yemen, with a small number also found on the border between Brazil and Venezuela. In 2023, the WHO said about 249.5 million people needed preventive treatment for the disease worldwide.

    At a media briefing, a Director of Research at NIMR and a public health parasitologist, Dr Babatunde Adewale, said some Nigerian communities are still affected due to poor environmental conditions and insecurity, which make it hard for health workers to reach them.

    He explained that ivermectin, the main drug used to treat the disease, is very effective in killing the parasite’s larvae, though it takes many years of regular treatment to fully stop the disease because adult worms can live and continue producing larvae for a long time.

    “About 43 million Nigerians are at risk, and roughly 37 million have already been treated. Treatment has been going on for over 15 years. Some areas have even reduced treatment because transmission has been interrupted.” Dr. Adewale said.

    He noted that states like Katsina, Nasarawa, Enugu, Anambra, Borno, and Abia have reached the stage where the disease is no longer spreading.

    To confirm this progress, researchers are testing over 3,000 blood samples in each state. If less than 0.1% of people test positive, it means the disease is no longer being transmitted in that area.

    “The national goal is to eliminate river blindness by 2030, and we are on the right track,” he added.

    Dr. Adewale also said ivermectin remains highly effective. “Within six months of treatment, we often cannot find the parasite larvae in the skin anymore. If ivermectin is used consistently for 12 to 15 years, the disease can be eliminated,” he explained.

    Read Also: Researchers break new ground in child mortality fight

    Also speaking at the event, a medical sociologist and research fellow at NIMR, Adeniyi Adeleye, said local beliefs and misinformation are affecting efforts to fight river blindness.

    “In many rural areas, people don’t believe the disease is caused by blackfly bites. Some think it is the result of witchcraft or a punishment from God,” he said.

    These beliefs, he warned, make people reject medical treatment. “If we don’t deal with these cultural issues, even the best treatments and innovations may not work,” he said.

    Both experts stressed the need for continued treatment, public awareness, and community education to fully eliminate river blindness in Nigeria.

  • Nigeria ranked second on global index of malnutrition – Presidential aide

    Nigeria ranked second on global index of malnutrition – Presidential aide

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, Uju Anwukah, said on Wednesday that the Nigerian nation currently ranks second on the global scale of malnutrition and first on the African continent.

    Anwukah spoke just as the Chairman of the House Committee on Food and Nutrition, Chike Okafor, said malnutrition in Nigeria is costing the country about 1.5 billion dollars annually.

    She spoke on the topic of strengthening nutrition coordination in Nigeria through the N-774 initiative at the ongoing national summit on nutrition and food security organised by the House Committee on Food and Nutrition.

    According to her, the Nigerian nation signed up for the N-774 initiative as a way of addressing malnutrition right from the grassroots level, adding that the initiative has been endorsed by the National Council on Food Security and the Nigerian Governors Forum.

    Chairman of the Committee, Chike Okafor said the summit was organized to proffer solutions to halt the growing concerns about the effect of malnutrition and lack of adequate food on Nigerians, adding that beyond the health effects of malnutrition and lack of food which include Stunting, low birth weight, Anaemia in children, adolescent girls and women, there is a considerable cost economically.

    According to him, the cost of inaction on these parameters on Nigeria’s economy is aggregated to about 12.2% of the Country’s Gross National Income, about $56b, based on data from Nutrition International and the World Bank.

    Okafor said, “Food insecurity has been aggravated by post-harvest loss, estimated at $2b by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), yearly, adding that “this colossal loss alone is more than the Nutrition budget of the Ministries of Agriculture, Health, Education and Women Affairs put together.

    “This continued loss is not only unacceptable, but unsustainable given the austere times in which we currently live. On the above premise, my committee is working with those in the 36 states of the federation to do things differently.

    Read Also: Pinnick’s CAF appointment will elevate Nigerian football – Presidential aide

    “First of all, we are undertaking strategic capacity-building sessions to have a better understanding of the root and dynamics of current nutrition and food security challenges in Nigeria.  A wise man once said that once you are not informed, you are deformed.

    “We are hoping that the capacity-building sessions are institutionalised in partnership with the National Institute of Democratic and Legislative Studies, with support from our ever-helpful development partners.

    “This will put us in a better position to provide strategic oversight to all nutrition and food-related interventions and implementing partners, including but not limited to the UN family, the World Bank, International and National NGOs, and of course the government at Federal, State and Local Government levels. By doing so, we will not only have more money for nutrition, but also more nutrition for the available money.”

  • Creating good health system starts with raw foodstuffs – Jejelola Shukurat

    Creating good health system starts with raw foodstuffs – Jejelola Shukurat

    Jejelola Shukurat’s journey is a testament to how passion, resilience, and a sense of purpose can spark meaningful change. Born in Kwara State and trained as a telecommunications engineer at FUT (Federal University of Technology), Minna, Jejelola always had a love for food. “To be very candid, I’ve always loved anything that has to do with food. If you ask people from my past, they’ll tell you that I wanted to be a chef,” she says, reflecting on her earliest inspirations.

    Her entrepreneurial spark was truly ignited in 2022, after relocating and struggling to find authentic, quality food. The turning point came after buying palm oil that turned out to be contaminated.

     “In that very moment, I took the business seriously and did some research, travelled to some villages for quality control, and here we are.” This experience led to the birth of Jejra Foods, now operating in Lafia, Nasarawa State, and soon expanding to Abuja.

    Jejra Foods is built on a foundation of quality and integrity.

    “A lot goes on in the open market with different kinds of products, but we get most of our products directly from farmers,” Jejelola explains.

    Her commitment is clear: “Making profits is not my main aim but creating a good health system through what we consume and that starts with raw foodstuff.” Through hands-on research and trusted partnerships, she ensures that every product meets the highest standards of hygiene and nutrition.

    The journey has not been without challenges. “Not to sugarcoat things, logistics and visibility are the two main challenges we’re facing right now. We’re not gotten to where we want to be, but we’re grateful for where we are at the moment,” she admits. Yet, her focus remains on growth and impact, both for her business and her community.

    Jejra Foods is more than a business; it’s a force for empowerment.

    “We provide job opportunities for the local community where we reside. We have some permanent staff, and daily workers can provide for their family through this means,” Jejelola shares.

    She is deeply committed to distributing healthy, uncontaminated food and preserving the nutritional value of every product.

    Read Also: Foundation ramps up health, education, empowerment projects

    “Our main focus is to distribute the Nigerian and African culture through healthy food, and as such, we make sure not to have any business with contaminated foods or always make sure our produce’s nutritional value is intact.”

    Her vision for the future is ambitious and inclusive. “Our vision is wide and wild! We want people to experience African culture and necessity with the highest nutritional value without it being a burden on them. No matter the rank and profession of individuals, they shouldn’t be stressed or have to think whether what they’re about to consume isn’t contaminated.”

    Jejelola Shukurat’s story is a beautiful reminder that with passion and purpose, it is possible to build a business that uplifts communities and sets new standards for an entire industry. As she says, “Creating a good health system starts with raw foodstuff.”

  • Foundation ramps up health, education, empowerment projects

    Foundation ramps up health, education, empowerment projects

    The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SG Holdings Limited, Deji Somoye, has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to deepening its social impact across the country through the SG Holdings Foundation.

    Marking a decade of its community relations work, Somoye said the foundation would continue delivering inclusive and sustainable development initiatives in health, education, economic empowerment, and faith-based community development.

    He emphasised that the foundation is determined to act decisively rather than wait for perfect systems.

    “We are not waiting for perfect systems before acting. Healthcare is one of those needs that cannot wait,” he said.

    Somoye explained that the healthcare sector has witnessed some of the foundation’s most impactful interventions, including sponsoring hernia surgeries for over 200 underserved patients in Ogun State, conducting a large-scale medical outreach in Ijemo, Abeokuta, donating Personal Protective Equipment to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) during the COVID-19 pandemic, and distributing 100 wheelchairs to rural health centres in 2023 to support mobility and dignity.

    On education, he emphasised that the foundation has transformed the Abeokuta South Local Government Primary School from a dilapidated structure into a modern learning facility. It also donated an E-Library and Youth Development Centre to the Anglican Diocese of Egba West to enhance digital literacy and 21st-century skills among underserved youth.

    He added that the foundation continues to expand educational opportunities through its annual scholarship programme and a statewide science quiz competition.

    “When we support a future doctor or engineer, we are making a direct investment in the health and infrastructure of our nation. We are creating reasons for our best and brightest to stay and build,” Somoye said.

    Read Also: Lagos, Foundation hold Invest Lagos 2.0

    The foundation has also prioritised economic empowerment through youth and widow empowerment programmes, offering grants and business tools, including tailoring machines, hairdressing kits, and welding tools to help over 50 beneficiaries rebuild their livelihoods and achieve financial independence.

    “Every youth or widow we empower is a life redirected, a dream reignited, and a future secured,” he said.

    Somoye also said the organisation believes spiritual growth goes hand-in-hand with national development. He noted that by supporting faith communities through initiatives such as constructing church facilities and donating equipment, the foundation is investing in the very fabric of society.

    The SG Holdings Chief added that the foundation remains resolute in scaling its interventions, building on the momentum of the past years, and serving as a catalyst for dignity, equity, and opportunity across Nigeria.