The Nation Newspaper

Category: Health

  • Health insurer promotes health awareness, free medical outreach for train commuters

    Health insurer promotes health awareness, free medical outreach for train commuters

    Nigerians have been encouraged to take greater responsibility for their health by adopting preventive measures against both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

    Ultimate Health Management Organization (HMO) made this call, emphasizing that prioritising prevention not only fosters healthier lifestyles but also boosts individual productivity, benefiting families and society at large.

    To underscore this message, the HMO offered free health screenings and counseling services through its team of medical professionals to passengers on trains and at major train stations across the country as part of a health awareness initiative held on Monday.

    The outreach, carried out in partnership with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), covered the Abuja-Kaduna, Lagos-Ibadan, and Warri-Itakpe routes, delivering essential healthcare services to thousands of commuters.

    Ultimate Health HMO is a Nigerian health insurer committed to delivering innovative and comprehensive health plans focused on preventive care and health education to ensure accessible, quality healthcare for individuals and families.

    The healthcare professionals provided on-the-go health assessments, including screenings for blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), blood sugar levels, and other vital indicators. 

    According to the organization, passengers also received personalized health counselling aimed at helping them understand their current health status and offering practical guidance to maintain or improve their well-being.

    In addition, the outreach included health education sessions that emphasized the importance of informed lifestyle choices, focusing on healthy eating, regular physical activity, and effective stress management.

    Speaking of the motivation behind the initiative, Otunba Ewenla, the Chief Executive Officer of Ultimate Health HMO, said the focus was part of the efforts to promote preventive healthcare and raise awareness about the importance of maintaining good health.

    Read Also: Corps members take free medical outreach to traders

    “We believe that health is a right, not a privilege. Through our collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, we were able to reach a large number of individuals, especially those who may not have regular access to healthcare services. 

    “This initiative is an integral part of our commitment to making preventive healthcare more accessible, while also raising awareness about the importance of maintaining good health, not just on World Health Day, but every day,” Ewenla said.

  • DEALING WITH DEPRESSION IN YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULTS

    DEALING WITH DEPRESSION IN YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULTS

    By Moji Alaiya

    Every one of us has down moments when we feel blue and sad. This is normal as long as it doesn’t last for too long. It is natural to feel down when you lose a loved one, your job or any other form of loss. There are myriads of reasons why people feel down but it is necessary not to allow sadness and despair to take root and become dangerous to our existence. If prolonged feeling of despair and hopelessness is observed, the condition is most likely to be depression. Seek help immediately.

    Depression is a serious medical condition and it affects all age groups and gender. It is a mental health disorder that causes a persistence feeling of sadness, worthlessness and apathy. It is characterized by negative thoughts, moods, behavior as well as specific changes in bodily functions such as eating and sleeping. Depression can lead to suicide if left untreated.

    There is growing number of reported cases of depression and suicide among the younger generation.

    Last year, a 19 year old student of a university committed suicide right on campus. He jumped down from the second floor of a building in his department after attending a lecture. No one saw it coming. The sad thing is that he killed himself on his mother’s birthday and in the presence of his course mates. One can only imagine the effect on the other students and his mother. It was discovered later that he had left a suicide note telling the world he could no longer continue. Further insight revealed that the parents were in the middle of a separation/divorce and his grades were falling.

    The present economic situation in the country and the world in general has shown that every age group and class is prone to this mental health condition. There are many people moving around in the society harboring suicidal thoughts fueled by depression.

    SYPMTOMS OF DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS AND YOUTHS

    Depression in teens and young adults may not be easy to recognize.

    Some may appear sad while others appear unbelievably cheerful. However irritability is a predominant and common symptom. Other symptoms include hostility, grumpiness, problems in school, change in weight, less concern for safety, risky/suicidal behavior, unexplainable aches or pain and anger.

    Depression in young children is mostly ignored and less easy to recognize. Nevertheless it is becoming quite rampant due to increasing occurrence of child abuse in the society. Most abused children suffer chronic depression.

    Depressed children usually become withdrawn, become irritable, resume old habits like bedwetting, regress in school performance, may gain or lose weight, have low self-esteem, develop apathy, unnecessary anxiety, have frequent complaints of physical problems such as headaches and stomachaches.  

    It is important for parents and guardians to watch out for signs of depression in young children which at times may be due to sexual abuse or bullying. Parents with kids in boarding schools do really need to take note.

    Parents of young children, teens and young adults should endeavor to be more observant in assessing their mental health. The so called ‘acting up’ may be a sign that your child or ward is experiencing depression and is crying out to you for help.

    IS DEPRESSION GENDER-SPECIFIC IN ADULTS?

    Many people think men are more prone to fall into depression but this is not so.

    Depression occurs much more in women compared to men. But depression in women is less likely to degenerate to suicide as opposed to men. Depression in women may occur due to heartbreak, menopause or child birth.

    Men suffering from depression are likely to experience fatigue, low energy, irritability, anger to the point of inflicting pain on others, sleep problems, loss of interest in work or hobbies, engaging in risky behavior, alcohol/substance abuse and suicide. They also experience sexual dysfunction.

    Women may experience carbohydrate craving, weight gain, trouble getting to sleep, anxiety, over-eating, sleeping too much, heavy feeling in the arms and legs, dependent personality and suicide attempts.

    PART TWO

    CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

    Scientists are yet determine how depression occurs.

    However it is known that certain situations such as death of a loved one, heartbreak, trauma, failure and economic hardship triggers depression. Certain researches have linked depression with genetics or family history.

    Substance use such as alcohol abuse can also trigger depression or aggravate it because alcohol is a depressant.

    In addition, imbalance in the concentration of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine in the brain has been reported to contribute to depressive disorder. However, this is still under dispute.

    TYPES OF DEPRESSION

    • Major depression:

    Here the feeling of sadness, worthlessness persists for two weeks accompanied by sleeplessness and change in appetite. It is the most common and most severe form of depression. It interferes with ability to work, sleep and enjoy once pleasurable activities.

    Read Also: My children helped me overcome depression- Bukky Wright

    • Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder PDD):

    Dysthymia is a recurrent minor depression. It is less severe but usually longer lasting.

    • Post-Partum Depression and Pre-natal Depression

    Post-Partum Depression occurs within four weeks of a woman’s delivery of a baby.

    Pre-natal Depression occurs during pregnancy. The two are severe depressive disorders.

    • Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder:

    The symptoms begin from ten years in children. These include chronic intense irritability and frequent outburst.

    • Bipolar disorder or manic depression is very severe and said to be hereditary.

    It is characterized by dramatic/rapid mood switches. Symptoms include hyperactivity, little or no sleep, impulse behavior, inappropriate elation, anger, irritability etc.

    PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION

    • Isolation fuels depression.

    Find someone you can always unburden your heart to when faced with life’s challenges. No man should be an island unto himself.  Surround yourself with your loved ones instead of withdrawing yourself from everyone when life’s struggles knock you down. Discussing your problem with trusted loved ones is quite therapeutic. This probably is the reason suicide rate is lower among women because women tend to ‘gist’ about their problems with their friends.

    • Make lifestyle changes.

    If you notice your job has a depressive effect on you seek another as soon as possible. Keep negative people at arm’s length or cut off from them completely. Some people hardly have a positive thing to say to you. No words of encouragement proceed out of their mouth to others. You don’t need to stay too long in the presence of such people. So change your friends, get out of any abusive relationship you might have found yourself, exercise much more and eat healthy.

    • Build emotional skills.

    This is important. Learn how to recognize and express your emotions. But if you are unable to do this on your own seek help from mental health professionals.

    Depression is treatable via a number of interventions.

    • Psychotherapy (Talk treatment): This involves with a healthcare professional to identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors.
    • Medication: this involves the use of anti-depressants. See a doctor for details.
    • Traditional/Complementary Medicine: this include acupuncture, massage etc.

    Remember, get regular exercise, spend time with people, get quality sleep, eat healthy and avoid alcohol to beat depression. Stay healthy.

  • MLSCN, NMEP sign training pact on Malaria

    MLSCN, NMEP sign training pact on Malaria

    The Federal Government, in collaboration with development partners, is stepping up efforts to eliminate malaria in the country by strengthening diagnostic capabilities.

    A key milestone in this drive was marked yesterday in Abuja with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) and the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP).

    The agreement will lead to the establishment of a malaria microscopy training laboratory at the MLSCN Public Health Laboratory in Abuja. The proposed facility which will have  42 state-of-the-art teaching microscopes donated under the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC-7), will serve as a national hub for training and certification in malaria diagnostics.

      MLSCN Registrar and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tosan Erhabor described the partnership as a strategic step towards building a sustainable workforce for accurate malaria diagnosis.

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    “The MoU provides a framework to empower laboratory scientists with the skills needed for precise diagnosis, ensuring we reduce dependence on estimates and improve malaria data accuracy,” he said.

    Erhabor emphasised the laboratory’s capacity to host both National and External Competency Assessments for Malaria Microscopy (NCAMM and ECAMM), thus localising what was previously a foreign-based process.

    Highlighting the economic benefit, he noted that sending professionals to Kenya for WHO certification previously cost about N4 million to N5 million per person.

    “Now, with local training, we can achieve the same outcomes for about N400,000 per participant. This will enable us to train more professionals and save significant foreign exchange,” he said.

    Erhabor projected that if the training is conducted twice a year over the next five years, the country’s pool of certified microscopists would grow significantly, addressing the current shortfall.

    Presently, Nigeria has only about 20 WHO-certified level-one microscopists, a number grossly inadequate for a population of over 200 million.

      NMEP National Coordinator Nnenna Ogbulafor hailed the initiative as a major stride in the country’s malaria elimination efforts.

    She said: “Malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, particularly among children and pregnant women.

    “Improving diagnostic capacity is essential to ensuring timely and appropriate treatment.”

  • World Heath Day: NGO organises free medical checkup, novelty match

    World Heath Day: NGO organises free medical checkup, novelty match

    In commemoration of World Health Day, the Join The Cast Healthcare Initiative organised a free medical checkup at the Campos Memorial Mini Stadium in Lagos Island on Sunday, 6 April, 2025.

    The event, aimed at promoting health awareness, offered complimentary screenings for blood sugar levels, malaria, HIV, and other forms of tests along with free medical consultations provided by Evercare Hospital Lekki.

    This initiative was further enriched with a novelty match between media personalities and comedians, including other grassroot football academies in Lagos, blending health awareness with entertainment.

    The event designed to engage the public, combining critical health services with a fun and lively atmosphere bringing together the Lagos community in support of both physical well-being and social bonding.

    Irabor Okosun, the convener of Join The Cast Initiative, reflected on the long-term impact of the organisation, saying, “We’ve been doing this since 2013, and with the help of numerous stakeholders, partners, and volunteers, we’ve impacted over 1.7 million lives. This includes offering free tests, treatments, and counseling on a range of health issues from eye care to dental and mental health.” Okosun further emphasized the organization’s mission to reach more people, saying, “Today, we’re aiming to impact at least 5,000 more lives.”

    Chioma Enwereji-Ogbonda, Marketing and Communications manager at Evercare Hospital Lekki, emphasized the importance of community-centered initiatives.

    She said, “Our partnership with Join The Cast is a testament to our commitment to making quality healthcare more accessible. By providing free screenings and consultations, we are helping individuals take control of their health and preventing serious conditions.”

    She further advised that people take serious cognizance of their health, especially those approaching certain ages.

    “I would advice that Nigerians stay on top of their health by being preventive in their approach, and this would include ensuring that they come in for their annual health checks, for the men who are above a certain age, maybe 35 or 40, there are certain health checks you need to get done on a regular basis. and this also applies to the women as well,” she said.

    Coach Olaidi Bolani Williams, head coach of Starlight F.A., one of the teams participating in the tournament, expressed appreciation for the event.

    He said: “I must say a big thank you to the organizers for bringing everyone together. It’s great to see over 20 teams participating in the A-Day competition, which is not only about sports but also about raising awareness for health as athletes, we know that health is wealth, if we’re not in good health, we cannot perform at our best, and events like this are crucial for both athletes and the general public.”

    The novelty match featured celebrities like, Akpororo, Senator, providing a lighter, engaging way for the public to participate in health advocacy.

    The mix of sports and healthcare awareness highlighted the NGO’s creative approach to social causes, making important health services both entertaining and impactful.World Heath Day: NGO organises free medical checkup, novelty match

  • FG intensifies malaria elimination with new diagnostic training hub

    FG intensifies malaria elimination with new diagnostic training hub

    The Federal Government, in collaboration with development partners, is stepping up efforts to eliminate malaria in Nigeria by strengthening diagnostic capabilities. 

    A key milestone in this drive was marked on Monday in Abuja with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) and the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP).

    The agreement that establishes a malaria microscopy training laboratory at the MLSCN Public Health Laboratory in Abuja to be supported by 42 state-of-the-art teaching microscopes donated under the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC-7), will serve as a national hub for training and certification in malaria diagnostics.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony, MLSCN Registrar and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Prof. Tosan Erhabor, described the partnership as a strategic step toward building a sustainable workforce for accurate malaria diagnosis. 

    “The MoU provides a framework to empower laboratory scientists with the skills needed for precise diagnosis, ensuring we reduce dependence on estimates and improve malaria data accuracy,” he said.

    Erhabor emphasized the lab’s capacity to host both National and External Competency Assessments for Malaria Microscopy (NCAMM and ECAMM), thus localizing what was previously a foreign-based process.

    Highlighting the economic benefit, he noted that sending professionals to Kenya for WHO certification previously cost about ₦4–5 million per person. 

    “Now, with local training, we can achieve the same outcomes for about ₦400,000 per participant. This will enable us to train more professionals and save significant foreign exchange,” he said.

    He projected that if the training is conducted twice a year over the next five years, the country’s pool of certified microscopists would grow significantly, addressing the current shortfall. 

    Presently, Nigeria has only about 20 WHO-certified level-one microscopists, a number grossly inadequate for a population of over 200 million, he noted.

    Read Also: Rotary votes $30m to prevent malaria in Nigeria, three other African nations

    While there is no fixed benchmark set by the WHO on the number of certified microscopists a country must have, Erhabor stressed that national-level certification aligned with WHO standards would allow Nigeria to expand its capacity based on available resources.

    “WHO facilitators can now come to Nigeria with their materials and monitor the process. This localization will not only cut costs but also broaden access and participation,” he added.

    In her remarks, NMEP National Coordinator Nnenna Ogbulafor hailed the initiative as a major stride in the country’s malaria elimination efforts, saying, “Malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, particularly among children and pregnant women. 

    “Improving diagnostic capacity is essential to ensuring timely and appropriate treatment.”

    She emphasized the importance of accurate diagnosis in reversing Nigeria’s malaria burden, “When I first used a microscope, I thought every parasite was malaria. That’s still a common mistake. This training facility will change that, shifting us from estimates to evidence-based surveillance,” she stressed.

    According to Ogbulafor, the new centre will serve as a training platform for both public and private sector professionals, offering standardized protocols, quality assurance, and hands-on learning opportunities. 

    “This will not only boost our diagnostic capacity but also enhance research and innovation in malaria control,” she said.

    Given Nigeria’s large population and a malaria prevalence rate of 27%, she acknowledged the urgency of scaling up training. 

    “This centre in Abuja will serve the North Central zone and complement other centres of excellence in Lagos and other parts of the country,” she explained.

    While training at the centre will not be free, it will be heavily subsidized to ensure accessibility, she emphasised that participants will also have the opportunity to undergo competency assessments that were previously only available abroad.

    Ogbulafor expressed appreciation to the Global Fund and other stakeholders for their support, saying, “This partnership reflects our collective resolve to ensure no Nigerian suffers from malaria due to poor or delayed diagnosis.”

  • Why vaccine financing should be a first-line charge, by stakeholders

    Why vaccine financing should be a first-line charge, by stakeholders

    The Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC) has called on the Federal Government to prioritize vaccine financing by placing it on first-line charge in the national budget. 

    According to the group, the measure is critical to ensuring the timely release and sustainability of immunization programs across the country.

    At a press conference in Abuja on Monday, stakeholders acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s recent healthcare strides, including the ₦231.7 billion allocation for immunization in the 2025 budget and the proposed ₦1 trillion investment in Primary Healthcare Centres, both of which immunization efforts are expected to benefit from.

    However, they warned that without a predictable and reliable funding structure, the progress made risks being reversed.

    The press briefing, themed ‘Future of Immunization Financing: Leaving No One Behind’, was organized by VNDC in collaboration with the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI). 

    The event brought together vaccine advocates, public health experts, and government officials, including a validation workshop focused on building an economic case for immunization financing.

    VNDC Chief Executive Officer, Chika Offor noted that vaccine funding has often suffered from delays, recalling that in 2023, funds from the 2022 and 2023 vaccine budgets were still outstanding despite continued advocacy. 

    Although she acknowledged that the funds were eventually released by the end of 2024 along with 25% of the 2024 allocation, a move she commended the government for, she, nonetheless lamented that the funding system remains fragile.

    “With USAID withdrawing and donor support waning, Nigeria must take full ownership of its immunization financing.

    “Without a dependable funding structure, we put millions of children at risk. Immunization must be treated with the urgency of salaries, delays cost lives,” she said 

    Offor emphasized that immunization is one of the most cost-effective health interventions, citing gains such as the eradication of wild polio, protection of over 30 million children, and HPV vaccine coverage reaching more than 12 million girls. 

    Yet, Nigeria remains among the countries with the highest number of zero-dose children, those who have never received a routine vaccine, she said.

    Read Also: Fighting vaccine-preventable diseases with routine immunisation

    “The worst scenario is when a mother brings her child to a health center only to be told vaccines are unavailable. From procurement to delivery, the system must work seamlessly,” she stressed.

    On long-term goals, Offor acknowledged progress toward local vaccine production, noting that Nigeria recently received $2 million from Gavi to begin this process, but cautioned that manufacturing vaccines is a complex and capital-intensive endeavour that will take time. 

    According to Offor, the Validation Workshop aims to help stakeholders recognize vaccines not just as health tools, but as economic assets, adding that the impact of preventable diseases extends far beyond hospitals.

    “Sick children pull caregivers out of work, reduce household income, and weaken the economy. Every ₦1 invested in immunization yields ₦44 in economic return. That’s a compelling reason to act,” she said.

    Stressing the need to safeguard current supply chains and ensure consistent funding, Offor also argued that the private sector needs to play a more active role, citing the success of the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) in supporting vaccine rollout during the pandemic. 

    “Government alone cannot do it, we need a business case for vaccines, one that shows the private sector what’s in it for them.

    “Investing in vaccines is not just a health imperative, it’s an investment in Nigeria’s future. We must act now to ensure that no child is left behind,” she said.

    Sen. Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), echoed the call for strategic investment, noting that increased funding is not just about spending more, but about achieving consistent, long-term access to life-saving vaccines.

    “Vaccination ensures survival, reduces disability, and supports national productivity. The cost of preventable illness, lost income, and medical expenses can devastate families and communities,” he added

    Oloriegbe called for innovative thinking, suggesting the immunization space could benefit from a model similar to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), which transformed Nigeria’s higher education sector.

    Other speakers, including Emmanuel Alhassan of GHAI and Hon. Mohammed Usman, former Deputy Chair of the 8th House House of Representatives Committee on Health Services, reinforced the call for sustainable domestic funding. 

    Usman pointed out that Nigeria’s natural resources, especially the untapped resources if well-managed, could eliminate the gap in vaccine financing.

    Aanu Rotimi, representing Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), also emphasized that investing in vaccines and immunization is essential to securing Nigeria’s future.

    The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) also lent their voices, emphasizing the need for Nigeria to transition from reliance on foreign aid to a more self-sufficient immunization funding model.

  • Health Insurance: NHIA goes tough over delayed service delivery

    Health Insurance: NHIA goes tough over delayed service delivery

    The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has warned its major stakeholders, especially Health Management Organizations (HMOs) and participating healthcare providers (health facilities), against delays of in enrollees accessing services while ensuring that quality healthcare services are not compromised.

    The agency asserted that it would impose appropriate sanctions on entities that deliberately delay care authorization.

    The agency’s Director General, Kelechi Ohiri, announced changes regarding authorization of care in a statement on Sunday by the agency’s Acting Director of Media and Public Relations, Emmanuel Ononokpono. The changes must be complied with by the stakeholders to ensure optimal services.

    Ohiri said the changes that were approved at a Stakeholders’ Meeting in February became necessary considering the notable delays in the authorization of treatment and issuance of codes to enrollees, which continue to negatively impact beneficiaries’ experience.

    He said that in fulfillment of its regulatory role to promote patient health outcomes by improving efficiency and access to care, the steps must be adhered to, which are consistent with the effective implementation of the NHIA Act 2022.

    The directives that became operational on April 1, 2025, among other things, affirmed that authorization of care and issuance of authorization codes by HMOs shall no longer exceed one hour from the time providers request them.

    Others are that “Health Care Facilities (HCFs) are to promptly submit requests for authorisation codes to HMOs to mitigate service access delays to enrollees

    “Communication of a response of ‘no authorisation within one hour where the HMO has justifiable reasons for not issuing the requested code.

    Read Also: ‘Give the poor health insurance, free medication’

    “Maintenance of records of all requests and responses for treatment authorization by providers and HMOs.

    “Where delays occur, beyond the one-hour timeline, the healthcare providers are to proceed to render services to the enrollee and inform NHIA immediately. The NHIA will verify that such services were rendered.

    “Enrollees are to report any delays or barriers to timely access to health services resulting from receiving authorization codes in excess of the one-hour limit independently to the NHIA.

    “For all emergency cases, authorization codes shall not be required before commencing treatment but shall be obtained within 48 hours of commencing care as stipulated in the operational guidelines”.

    Ononokpono, in the statement, emphasized that the NHIA will regularly review compliance with this revised timeline and provide feedback to stakeholders.

  • Arieli foundation expands drive to tackle maternal, child mortality in Nigeria, beyond

    Arieli foundation expands drive to tackle maternal, child mortality in Nigeria, beyond

    In a bold effort to reduce maternal and child mortality, the Arieli Foundation for Maternal and Child Health is broadening its footprint across Nigeria and laying the groundwork for global outreach.

    Established by Dr. Natasha Oyibo, the Foundation is committed to delivering lifesaving healthcare and support services to women and children in underserved areas.

    Operating from its headquarters in Abuja, the Foundation has already launched impactful initiatives in Nasarawa, Kaduna, and Niger States. 

    It now plans to extend its reach across Africa and internationally by forging partnerships with governments, global health agencies, and international NGOs.

    Dr. Oyibo emphasised that the Foundation’s mission is to bring sustainable, long-term improvements to communities with little or no access to essential healthcare.

    “Arieli Foundation tackles a major barrier to healthcare, which is economic dependence,” she explained. “Many women in crisis are unable to seek medical care or escape abusive situations due to financial limitations. Arieli’s empowerment programs are designed to change that.”

    The Foundation is working on several fronts to improve maternal and child health. These include workforce development, mobile clinics, menstrual hygiene education, nutrition initiatives, mental health support, clean water projects, and the use of artificial intelligence to predict health risks early.

    “Economic empowerment is healthcare empowerment,” Dr. Oyibo said. “When women have financial independence, they gain control over their choices, their health, and their future.”

    To help women achieve this, the Foundation offers training in digital skills, entrepreneurship, and modern trades. The aim is to equip women with the tools they need for long-term independence and sustainable income.

    Health experts have praised the Arieli Foundation’s work for offering a holistic, evidence-based approach to community health. With its growing presence and expanding partnerships, the Foundation is positioned to be a major player in the fight against maternal and child mortality not just in Nigeria, but around the world.

  • Kwara, Thomas Adewumi Varsity ink deal to make Omu Aran Gen Hospital teaching hospital

    Kwara, Thomas Adewumi Varsity ink deal to make Omu Aran Gen Hospital teaching hospital

    Kwara State Government on Thursday signed an agreement to upgrade the Omu Aran General Hospital to a teaching hospital for the medical students of the Thomas Adewumi University (TAU) Oko in Irepodun Local Government. 

    Expected to produce more quality health workers, especially medical officers and other specialists, the MOU is another bold step of the administration to strengthen its collaboration with private institutions in healthcare delivery.

    Last year, the government signed a similar MOU to allow the Al-Hikmah University to use the newly upgraded Sobi Specialist Ilorin as a teaching hospital as part of the accreditation processes for its medical courses.

    The MOU signing with TAU attracted senior government officials, traditional rulers, top academics, and stakeholders in the sector. 

    Among the dignitaries were the Commissioner for Health Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam; Commissioner for Communications Hon. Bola Olukoju; Chairman, Irepodun local government, Hon. Yakub AbdulAzeez; Executive Secretary, Kwara State Hospital Management Board Dr Abdulraheem Malik; Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye; APC Chieftain Oloriewe Raheem Adedoyin; Founder and Chancellor of TAU Dr. Thomas Adewumi; TAU Vice Chancellor Prof Francisca Oladipo; representative of Acting Head of Service Dr Okedare Adeyinka; VC Al-Hikmah University Prof Nuah Yusuf; VC Ahman Pategi University Prof Kazeem Bolagbade; Prof Suleiman Kuranga; and others.

    Royal fathers in attendance were the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo Oba Ismaila Yahya Alebiosu; the Olomu of Omu Aran Oba Raheem Oladele Olaoti; the Olupako of Share Oba Olawale Haruna Ilufemiloye; and the Oloko of Oko-Irese Oba Victor Olawuyi.

    In her keynote address on the MOU, El-Imam said the occasion was another milestone achievement of the administration to strengthen the health system in the state.

    Calling the Governor a man of action that surpasses his words, the Commissioner said AbdulRazaq is a man who enjoys beating his own record of achievements across different sectors. 

    She cited the recent recruitment of 1,005 health workers, including medical officers, midwives and nurses, the ongoing process to implement the latest CONMESS, facility upgrades across basic and secondary facilities, and the creation of the state teaching hospital as some of the achievements of the Governor in the health sector. 

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    “To the glory of God, I have been privileged to work in America, United Kingdom, and Nigeria, and nowhere in the world have I seen a sector completely run by the government that succeeded. So, it takes a forward thinking, visionary, and dynamic personality like Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to know the limit and seek the collaboration and support of the private sector. This is what is at play here today,” she said.

    Oba Ismail, who spoke on behalf of Kwara Southerners, commended the Governor for doing them the honour and for making history.

    “We have never had it this good in our region, and I speak for our people. The Governor has recently commissioned the Osi Campus of KWASU, and there are many road projects in different parts of our region. This is another big one, and it shows that he is a Governor for the whole of Kwara State. We are grateful to him,” according to the monarch. 

    The Olupo described Dr. Adewumi as a fantastic problem solver and a pride of the region, commending his commitment to the school project and other forms of humanitarian services.  

    “This project for which we are here today is a project for which I can say that the entire Kwara Southerners are very grateful to the Governor for, because this is going to be the first of its kind in that region. And our gathering in large numbers is to show how happy we are about this development. We are very happy that this is done during our lifetime,” he added.

    Olomu said Governor AbdulRazaq has demonstrated through his leadership style that governance is a continuum, highlighting some of the projects his government inherited and completed.

    “This gesture shows the government is bringing (improved) health care delivery system to the Kwara South, which also means bringing life to us,” the monarch said.

    Dr Adewumi appreciated AbdulRazaq for positively impacting lives and his belief in fairness, saying what he did for the university manifests his love for the people of Kwara State, including Kwara South.

    “The owners of Kwara South are all here today, as the presence of our monarchs shows. And they have all come to celebrate the Governor for what he has done for Kwara South. It is a landmark achievement that transcends ordinary consideration,” he said.

    “Governor AbdulRazaq is a man who believes in fairness. He is making great impacts in the lives of the people. The impacts he has made in the Kwara will live for decades and generations to come. We have never had it so good since 1967. I pray that God gives him a long life and continues to use him for greater accomplishments.”

  • ARCN Executive Secretary: Nigeria’s protein intake below global standard

    ARCN Executive Secretary: Nigeria’s protein intake below global standard

    The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Professor Garba Hamidu Sharubutu, has stated that protein intake in Nigeria is significantly below the global standard.

    Sharubutu made this remark during the 61st Founder’s Day and pre-convocation lecture of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan, held on Thursday. 

    The event, themed “Bridging Past and Future: Advancing Animal Production and Health Through Science, Technology, and Policy in Nigeria”, attracted key figures from the agriculture and academic sectors.

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State was represented by the Chairman of Ibadan South West Local Government, Hon. Kehinde Akande, while other notable attendees included Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, represented by the South West Zonal Director, Mrs. Olayinka Akeredolu, and the Provost of the College, Professor Samuel Soladoye Abiola.

    Sharubutu, who spoke through the Executive Director of the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Professor Muhammed Lawal Attanda, stressed the need for improving the nation’s protein consumption, which is currently below the global recommendation. 

    He added that the global standard recommended protein intake of 64 grams and currently we have 35 grams protein intake in Nigeria. 

    He used the opportunity to advise agricultural institutions, agriculturalists and other stakeholders to work hard and bridge the gap. 

    He charged agricultural institutions and researchers to work out modalities on how to bridge the gap. 

    Sharubutu said “As we speak currently Nigeria protein intake is far below the recommendation of the global standards. The global standards recommended protein intake of 64 grams and currently we have 35 grams in Nigeria. 

    “So, there are enough jobs for graduates of this institution to do. They should not look for jobs with their certificates. They should go into production of proteins. It can be chicken or small ruminants. They have the technology. 

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    “The graduates of this institution and other schools should go into animal production, so that they can bridge the gap. They should bridge the gap of protein supply. That is what we are saying. 

    “The message to the management of the institution is that all the technologies they have, they should use them so that animal production can improve. The citizens should patronise our local products. Local products we are patronisong will help to boost the economy. We should take the bull by the horn so that we can produce enough food for us the citizens to eat. We should ensure that no citizen of this country go to bed hungry”. 

    The guest speaker, Professor Samuel Soladoye Abiola identified cattle rusting, farmers/ herders conflicts and limited access to financial support as the major challenges facing animal production in the country. 

    He called on the governments at all levels to make policies and provide the necessary support to farmers across the country, noting that this will help to address the challenges facing the sector. 

    The provost of the college, Dr Adekoya Olatunde Owosibo used the opportunity to present awards of recognition to some outstanding workers in the college and other personalities. 

    Owosibo also used the opportunity to commission some projects executed by his administration in the college.