The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Isaac Adewole

  • Northern groups ask Osinbajo to suspend minister over alleged corruption

    Northern groups ask Osinbajo to suspend minister over alleged corruption

    Northern based groups under the aegis of Northern Youth Rights Protection and Northern Youth Development Association have asked the Acting President Yemi Osibajo to immediately suspend the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, over alleged corruption.

    The groups also asked the acting President to reinstate the NHIS Executive Secretary, Prof. Usman Yusuf, who was suspended by the minister.

    The groups at their respective press conferences said at no time was the suspended NHIS chief queried or given room to respond to any petition while the minister had several petitions against him for alleged corruption.

    “If there is anyone who should be suspended from office, it is the Health Minister and not Prof. Yusuf who so far has breached no law,”   they said.

    The Chairman of Northern Youth Rights Protection, Comrade Haruna Abdullahi Maikano, said: “Does Prof. Adewole possess the power to fire when he has no power to hire? The answer is assertive NO.”

    According to him, the minister acted in contradiction to extant laws and civil service rules.

    “Where did the minister obtain his power to remove the President’s appointee? So, it is a systematic plan to paint northerners black, and get rid of them from this administration,” Maikano stated.

    He urged Osinbajo to suspend the minister and reinstate the NHIS chief to his position immediately.

     

  • Health Minister urges physicians to engage in more researches

    Health Minister urges physicians to engage in more researches

    The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, on Thursday called on physicians to engage in more researches that would enhance the living standard of Nigerians.

    Adewole made the call at the 2nd Annual Scientific Conference on Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme organised by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control in Abuja.

    The minister, represented by Hajia Binta Bello, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, said that strengthening the nation’s health system would protect citizens from outbreak of diseases.

    ”To be free of infectious diseases, we need an approach which requires more direct efforts that focuses on inter-play between human health and animal health into one initiative,” he said.

    Also, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, the Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, said that the conference was aimed at creating a platform for epidemiologists and public health physicians to share scientific work.

    Ihekweazu said that physicians, through sharing of scientific works, would deliberate on the application of epidemiological methods to resolve the pertinent current public health issues in Nigeria.

    He said that one of the objectives of the conference was to provide residents and graduates of the programme a forum to share findings from various field-based activities.

    Ihekweazu said that the conference would also provide a training opportunity for the trainees on scientific communication and an opportunity for epidemiological networking and partnership.

  • FG approves enrolment of NYSC members into NHIS

    FG approves enrolment of NYSC members into NHIS

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved the enrolment of members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to guarantee them access to quality healthcare services.

    The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, stated this when he briefed State House correspondents at the end of the meeting presided over by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Adewole expressed optimism that the inclusion of the corps’ members in the health scheme would not only check unnecessary deaths among NYSC members but also ensure that they receive the highest attainable level of healthcare across the country.

    He said: “The other memorandum taken at today’s (Wednesday) meeting had to do with how we will prevent unnecessary deaths among the corps members across the country.

    “The Council approved the memo that henceforth we will include NYSC members in the National Health Insurance Scheme across the country and this will guarantee access to quality healthcare across the country, prevent unnecessary deaths and also ensure that the NYSC members receive the highest (attainable) level of healthcare services across the country.”

    Adewole announced that his ministry also presented the reports on the state of public health services in the country to the council.

    He disclosed that no single case of polio was recorded in the country in 2017, while only seven new cases of Lassa fever were recorded across the country this year.

    “We have formally declared the meningitis outbreak over in the country.

    “We also informed FEC that we have not recorded any case of polio in 2017.

    “We have recorded seven new cases of Lassa fever across the country and the cholera outbreak in Kwara State has also fizzled out.

    “So, we have to report that to FEC, today,’’ the minister said.

    NAN

  • FG, May&Baker to begin production of vaccines in Nigeria

    FG, May&Baker to begin production of vaccines in Nigeria

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved a joint venture agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria and May & Baker Plc towards producing vaccines in the country from 2017 to 2021.

    The equity participation will be 51 percent from May&Baker and 49 percent from the Federal Government with an initial take off capital of N100 million and equity contributions of N1.3 billion and N1.27 billion.

    The Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole briefed newsmen after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

    According to him, the Federal Government is contributing the Institute of Vaccines Research where the new company will take off as its equity.

    He said that the board of the company will comprise seven people, four from May and Baker and three from the federal Government.

    He said “FEC approved joint venture agreement between the federal government and Baker Plc to produce vaccines from 2017-2021.

    “The federal government is using existing facility at the Federal Vaccine Production Lab, Lagos, as our equity. And that has been costed by Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, is about N1.27 billion and May and Backer will put in about N1.3 billion in keeping with the 51, 49 per cent equity participation.

    “Between 1940-1991, Nigeria was not only producing vaccines such has smallpox, yellow fever, and anti-rabbis vaccines but we also exported to Cameroon, Central African Republic and a few other countries.

    “In 1991 the Vaccine Production Laboratory stopped production ostensibly because the government wanted to reactivate and upgrade the facility which did not take place till today. What council did today was to was put live into this joint venture agreement that proposes to establish a company called bio-vaccines LTD which will be jointly owned by the federal government of Nigeria and May and Becker Plc” the minister said.

    Adewole who briefed alongside the Ministers of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, Science and Technology, Ogbonaya Onu and Niger Delta, Usani Usani, said the partnership will take off this year.

    He explained that the FEC will allow the Attorney General of the Federation to perfect the agreement and “hopefully in the next two weeks we should sign this agreement and once the agreement is signed we are ready to fly”.

    According to him, the agreement was to further secure the lives of Nigerians since the production of vaccines is now considered as a security issue.

    We have considered vaccines as a security issue, it is not only health but we need to consider the security of all Nigerians particularly our children. So, with this agreement, we will be able to produce those command vaccines and from 2021 and beyond every other vaccine that is necessary will also be out on board for administration to Nigerians. We are quite happy that today it has taken place and we believe that Nigeria has started a journey to vaccines security – Adewole.

    The minister said he also briefed the council on the meningitis outbreak adding that the country was almost at the end of it. “What we are now doing is to now prepare to ensure that this does not repeat itself next year” he added.

    Council also received a briefing on the unfortunate incident where a body was flown into the country from the Democratic Republic of Congo, by Kenya Airways.

    According to him, the body was brought in without the necessary approval. “The standard procedure is that for you to fly in a body into Nigeria you need a waiver, a sort of approval issued by a federal ministry of health” and this was not sought.

    He assured Nigerians that the body tested negative for Ebola and any of the hemorrhagic fevers adding

    “We know the cause of death but for confidential reasons, we do not have to disclose it. But it is nothing really to worry about”.

     

  • Tobacco: Group urges government to implement public health policies

    Tobacco: Group urges government to implement public health policies

    The Center for Communication Programs Nigeria (CCPN) has called for effective health policies to reduce the use of tobacco products in Nigeria.
    In a message to mark this year’s World Health Organisation (WHO) World No Tobacco Day (WNTD), the Executive Director, CCPN, Mrs. Babafunke Fagbemi said tobacco use is a threat to Nigeria’s development and a great health risk that affect other sectors and the economic well-being of Nigerians.
    Speaking in Abuja, Fagbemi urged the Federal Government to immediately implement public health measures that would protect Nigerians from the dangers of smoking including the comprehensive implementation of the National Tobacco Control Bill.
    The group noted that unrestricted use and access to tobacco products is a threat to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
    While commending the Federal Ministry of Health under the leadership of Professor Isaac Adewole for taking the lead in the fight against non-communicable diseases in the country, Fagbemi said the Federal Government’s bold step in signing the National Tobacco Control Bill into law is a major step towards achieving a tobacco free Nigeria.
    ” We want to commend the Federal Ministry of Health for putting public health in the front burner and we hope that all stakeholders would rally round to support the initiatives of the Ministry in taking tobacco control forward from where we are today,” she said.
    According to the WHO, tobacco kills over seven million people every year and it is a risk factor in non-communicable (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, cancers and chronic obstructed pulmonary disease.
    ” We need to take a holistic look at our public health structure and take adequate measures to prevent diseases that will hinder the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The WHO has made it clear about the dangers of tobacco use not only to the smoker but others around. Tobacco control is a great step towards the fulfillment of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
    ” We need to look at the dangers of second hand smoking especially to the young children, Nigeria is already battling to eradicate malaria which is one of the greatest killer diseases of young children in Nigeria, we must ensure that we do not add to the burden of Nigerians by not taking action against tobacco use,” Fagbemi said.
    Fagbemi also said the core role of communication in promoting awareness and well-being should not be overlooked as she called on all stakeholders to articulate the process of creating awareness on the dangers of tobacco use especially to the youths.
    The theme for this year’s WNTD is “Tobacco: A threat to Development” and it is aimed at highlighting the link between tobacco use and development. The celebration is also to highlight the fact that tobacco control can break the cycle of poverty, contribute to ending hunger, promote sustainable agriculture and economic growth, and combat climate change.
    The CCPN, a non-governmental organisation that focuses on the central role of communication in social and behavior change for development also said it is ready to continue to provide the platforms that would ensure the well-being of all Nigerians.

  • Nigeria showcases success on Polio, Universal Health Coverage

    The Federal Government has informed global leaders that the National Health Act would guarantee every Nigerian a right to a basic minimum package of health services.

    Prof. Isaac Adewole, the Minister of Health, said this in a statement issued by Mrs Boade Akinola, the Director, Media and Public Relations of the ministry, in Abuja.

    Adewole, who delivered an address at the 70th World Health Assembly in Geneva, also informed the world leaders of Nigeria’s response to the outbreak of the four cases of Polio in Nigeria.

    He said the four cases of Polio were recorded in areas affected by Boko Haram insurgency last year.

    “In curtailing the spread of Wild Polio Virus (WPV1) across our borders, there has been a robust international outbreak response and enhanced surveillance activities.

    “The surveillance activities include high level coordination with countries of the Lake Chad Region, implementation of high quality rounds and vaccination of high risk populations during in-between rounds activities,

    “and re-activation of routine immunisation services in newly liberated areas,” he said.

    The minister assured that the current momentum would be sustained for as long as it takes to be certified polio free and beyond.

    Adewole also highlighted Nigeria’s progress towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UCH), through the one Primary Healthcare Center (PHC) per ward programme of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    He said that the country had begun the operationalisation of the National Health Act which specifies that “all Nigerians shall be entitled to a Basic Minimum Package of Health Services”.

    The minister also discussed the country’s Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) efforts, Accelerated TB Case Finding and ongoing humanitarian response in the North East of Nigeria.

  • FG donate drugs, essential commodities for rehabilitation of freed Chibok girls

    The Federal Government has donated drugs and other essential commodities to an undisclosed medical facility for the rehabilitation of the 82 rescued Chibok school girls.

    The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, presented the items to the clinic on Monday in Abuja.

    Mrs Boade Akinola, the Director, Media and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health, said this in a statement.

    According to her, the Adewole made the donation during a visit to the rescued girls at the health facility where they are currently receiving care.

    “The minister has assured the recently freed 82 Chibok Girls of the determination of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to ensure their complete health and wellbeing.

    “We are happy for you and we thank God for your release.

    “President Buhari has shown his commitment to your plight and has directed that we offer best of medical services.

    “We are going to take care of you so that you can go out and live productive lives again.

    “It is our job to help you. Please, do not hide anything from us,’’ she quoted Adewole saying.

    The minister, the statement said, assured Nigerians that every needed commodity shall be provided as soon as the laboratory results are delivered.

    He called on the medical team to setup individual chart to track the progress of each of the girls.

    Adewole called on the care providers to give special attention to psychosocial services bearing in mind that the girls have been held captive for almost three years.

     

     

  • FG inaugurates governing Boards, Councils of tertiary health institutions

    The Federal Ministry of Health on Friday in Abuja, inaugurated the Governing Boards and Councils of some tertiary health institutions, to strengthen the health sector.

    Speaking at the occasion, Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, urged the appointees to support the vision and core values of President Muhammadu Buhari on transparency and accountability.

    He said the composition of the membership had been done in conformity with the laws and Act setting up the various Councils and Boards.

    He said their main function was to provide carry out oversight functions on the management to ensure smooth implementation of government policies, as well as efficient and effective utilization of resources.

    Adewole however cautioned the appointees against direct involvement in day-to-day administration of the institutions, saying such function resides with the Registrars and Chief Executives.

    He also advised the appointees to be mindful of the need for efficient management of scarce resources at all times while discharging their duties.

    “It is our expectation that you will strengthen the resource base of the institutions, increase internally generated revenues and quality of services and training.

    “Everything must be done in accordance with due process, especially the procurement processes, where the Councils and Boards will provide oversight,” he said.

    The minister advised that recruitment of staff should also follow due process, stressing that the constitutional role of the Federal Character Commission must be respected and adhered to.

    Dr Abosede Ofi, Chairperson NMCN, while responding on behalf of the appointees, said they would study the laws establishing their institutions to enable them work in accordance with the rules and due process.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has 22 members, with Dr Abosede Ofi as chairman; Dental Technologist Registration Board, 12 members, with Mr Vincent Ezeasor as chairman and the Chartered Chemist of Nigeria, 17 members, with Prof. Okieimen Ebhodahe as chairman.

    Others are 18 – member Institute of Public Analyst of Nigeria, with Dr Dahiru Adamau as chairman, 19-member Dental Therapist Registration Board, with Malam Jariri Saulawa as chairman, as well as 13-member Radiographers Registration Board, with Mr. AFK Bakare as chairman.

     

  • FEC okays N9.16bn for speed boats, patrol vehicles

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved three projects amounting to N9.16 billion.

    The funds approved included N3.8 billion for one year leasing of fast going vessels for the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), N5 billion for upward cost review for construction of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) office building and N358 million for purchase of 56 immigration patrol vehicles.

    The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, briefed State House correspondents at the end of the FEC meeting chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

    With him at the briefing were the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed and the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole.

    Amaechi said: “Council approved three things. One was NIMASA that has to do with the lease of fast going vessels to enable NIMASA perform is responsibility on the high sea.

    “The cost for the lease for NIMASA is N3.8 billion for the next one year.

    “The other is the purchase of land patrol vehicles for the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). 56 vehicles are to be procured at a total cost of N358 million.

    “The last was the change in the cost of construction of the EFCC headquarters due to foreign exchange fluctuation. This is additional N5 billion Naira.”

    The health minister said a total of 813 deaths were recorded from the outbreak of meningitis in the country.

    He said the cases would drop with the commencement of rainfall in the country, adding that vaccination would commence in Sokoto on Thursday.

     

     

  • Expectations For The Week

    Expectations For The Week

    As we enter into another week, one wonders if the 2017 budget will be worked on by the Senate. Last week, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki said on the floor of the Senate that various committees are yet to submit their reports. With eight months left in the year, there is a high possibility that the budget will not be properly implemented – this is risky for the economic health of the country .

    The battle for supremacy between the Senate and the Presidency seems like a never-ending saga, however, a peace committee has been set up which is to be headed by Vice – President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. The committee which has current ministers who were ex-senators as members will seek to settle the sudden “supremacy battle” currently hindering the smooth running of governance between the executive and legislative arms of the country.

    Recently, the Senate decided not to screen the 27 nominees for Resident Electoral Commission (REC) sent by the President until their recommendation of replacing Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu is adhered to. Magu, was rejected by the Senate for the second time despite re-nomination by President Muhammadu Buhari. Will the President’s proposed closed-door meeting with Saraki end the macabre dance in the senate?

    Also, the current suspension of Senator Ali Ndume for six months by the senate is said to be generating heat as some “stakeholders” are trying to settle the current case between the Borno Senator and the “super powers” in the red chamber. Ndume was suspended  for bringing the name of the Senate into disrepute after calling for the investigation of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Senator Dino Melaye. Melaye was investigated after a certain online publication said he didn’t graduate from Ahmadu Bello University, a claim the Vice Chancellor of the institution has refuted. Saraki’s issue had to do with the importation of an SUV without paying customs duties; however, the ex-Governor has said the Senate (and not himself) was responsible for the importation.

    The current health crisis ravaging the country in recent times needs to be STOPPED. Meningitis, which is an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord causes several neausating and incommodious effects on it victim – skin rashes, seizures, vomiting, fever, bodily temperature, increased sensitivity to light, confusion, tightness in the neck muscles etc. It has claimed over three hundred lives and there seems not to be a solution to it. The minister of health, Prof. Isaac Adewole has assured Nigerians that the Federal Ministry of Health under his purview would nip the outbreak of meningitis ravaging some states in the bud. He said his ministry is “in constant discussion with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, E- health Africa and other international health agencies of supplies  of vaccines and injections”. With so many deaths already, the minister has to know that the time to act is NOW.

    As the Big Brother Naija enters into the final week, the excitement across the country from fans of the entertaining show is gradually getting to the peak. Just yesterday, Bally got evicted after getting nominated for eviction alongside Tboss, DebbieRise and Marvis. As it stands, Efe remains the only male standing in the house with four women (Tboss, DebbieRise, Bisola and Marvis) to contend with…A VERY LUCKY MAN! With over 11 million votes announced by show host Ebuka Uchendu for just yesterday’s eviction, the show organizers will be smiling to the bank after it ends at the weekend. After another week of performing various tasks, the housemate with the highest number of votes gotten by the viewers WINS in six days’ time.

    The excitement in the Nigerian Professional Football League has continued to draw more attention after the unpredictable nature of the league continued yesterday. Before round 18 games, MFM fc was sitting atop the log but after a 4-0 drubbing at Lafia and victories for both El-Knemi and Plateau United, the former climbs to second while the latter now lead the league and Mfm are presently third.  Without doubt, El-Kanemi’s next weekend encounter with Mfm fc at the Agege Stadium will be the match to watch; both teams have the same points (30 points) and are only separated by goal difference.

    Segun Odunayo tweets from @Segun_Odunayo