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Tag: Nigerians

  • Osinbajo to Nigerians: insist on leaders with character, integrity

    •Rule of law pillar of democracy, say CJN, Babalakin

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday urged Nigerians to insist on leaders with character and integrity.

    He said good governance would be impossible without the right people in power.

    The Vice-President spoke at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Faculty of Law 2018 public lecture with the theme: The rule of law as panacea for peace, security and good governance in a democracy.

    Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, who delivered the lecture, and UNILAG Pro-Chancellor Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN), who chaired the event, said good governance and peace would be impossible without the rule of law.

    They also called for an independent judiciary and for court orders to be respected.

    Osinbajo, represented by Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) Executive Secretary Prof Bolaji Owasanoye, said each arm of government must fulfill its constitutional role for rule of law to thrive.

    He said: “The rule of law being the heartbeat of democratic governance, we must accept that obeying the law will promote peace, security and ultimately good governance.

    “The rule of law is the principle of governance in which all parties are accountable to laws that are enacted, enforced and independently adjudicated.

    “It is one of the sacred constitutional doctrines that require taking necessary measures to ensure accountability, fairness in the application of law, avoidance of arbitrariness and procedural and legal transparency.”

    According to him, if the triad of government fails to fulfill their constitutional mandates, the aspirations for peace and security would be a mirage, everyone is victimised and the society pays the price.

    “Irrespective of the composition of government and the dominance or otherwise of one political party controlling the executive or the legislature, the triad of the executive, the legislature and the judiciary will work together as a cooperative government in order that the expectations of the people for good governance are not dashed, because what the people want is good governance.

    “The first step to achieve the goal set by the theme of this lecture is the proper evaluation of the character and the integrity of the persons elected or appointed to positions of authority in all the arms and levels of government. If we’re able to get this basic issue right, we’re closer to our dream of peace, security and good governance in our democracy.

    “Failure at this level implies that the foundation has been destroyed, therefore leaving the righteous with the difficult if not an impossible task of building something from nothing.”

    Osinbajo called for citizen involvement, saying: “For us to build a nation of our dreams, the citizens must also scrutinise the actions of those elected or appointed with objective and non-partisan mindset.”

    The Vice President praised the CJN for taking pro-active measures towards strengthening the judiciary.

    To Chief Justice Onnoghen, the observance of the rule of law is a pre-requisite for peace, security and good governance in a democracy.

    He regretted that the rule of law was “disregarded” by past administrations while powerful individuals acted above the law.

    The CJN said: “It is quite discouraging that the rule of law has over time been disregarded in Nigeria and successive administrations have continued to show total disdain for its development.

    “Hence, it will not be improper or out of place to conclude that without improvement on the observance of the rule of law, it will be impossible for Nigeria to experience peace, security and good governance.”

    Chief Justice Onnoghen believes that security is critical for national cohesion and sustainable development.

    “Any government that is against the enthronement of the rule of law is by implication inviting anarchy into the system. A democratic government must not only obey the law but also courts’ orders,” he said.

    The CJN believes that Nigeria urgently needs “a vibrant and independent judiciary” that must “at all times frown at any interference from other arms of government” while guaranteeing access to justice for all.

    According to him, the court system must be truly independent, accountable, efficient, impartial, accessible and credible, as courts expect the utmost respect of the law from the government that rules by the law.

    “The level of respect and obedience accorded by the citizens of any civilised democratic society to court orders, judgments and other judicial acts determine the level of development of the rule of law and consequently the maintenance of peace, order and public good in such a society or state,” Justice Onnoghen said.

    Dr Babalakin stressed that the rule of law could not thrive in the absence of an independent judiciary.

    “We’re still struggling to convince the entire society that it is to our mutual benefit that we have adherence to the rule of law. I’m relatively young in the system, but I’ve seen successive governments pay lip service to the rule of law.

    “They emphasise the rule of law when they’re in opposition, and capitulate as soon as they’re in government. Without the judiciary standing firm, only God knows where we would have been as a nation,” Babalakin said, adding:

    “We’ve seen arbitrariness of the highest order; we’ve seen total disdain for other’s rights. But we cannot have the sort of judiciary we desire unless we make it a collective assignment.”

    To the CJN, Babalakin  said: “I congratulate you for standing firm in the face of serious aggression against the concept of an independent judiciary. You have taken a position that is commendable to all those who appreciate that we can only have the rule of law if it’s situated within an independent, courageous and well funded judiciary.

    “You have not allowed the convenience of the moment prevent you from pursuing your ideals. I have no doubt that by the time your tenure comes to an end, the Nigerian judiciary would have the platform for growth.”

    He praised the Law faculty for organising the event, saying: “The Faculty of Law has set a pace and must be the envy of every other faculty in this university.”

    He said the faculty was living up to the ideals of its pioneer dean, the late Prof Taslim Elias.

    The faculty dean, Prof Ayo Atsenuwa, said the CJN was chosen in a bid to give the judiciary a voice.

    She said: “When we conceptualised the 2018 lecture, we wondered who could give us a momentous lecture in the sense that we wanted a lecture that would speak to the issues of the day. We thought: why not give an opportunity to the judiciary to have their voices heard?

    “By tradition and the exigency of their job, they don’t speak publicly because they don’t want to pre-judge cases. But we also must hear from the judiciary. We thought: who better than the CJN? And we thought that other arms need to hear from the Judiciary.”

  • Lagos Speaker assures Nigerians of improved welfare

    Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has assured Nigerians that the Federal and the state government are committed to improving their welfare and standard of living.

    Obasa, in his Democracy Day message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Musbau Rasak, lauded the citizens for their courage and perseverance and assured that the people would soon start to enjoy the dividends of government’s socio-economic reforms.

    The  Speaker said: “This is the third anniversary of the All Progressives Congress  (APC) administration at the centre and I want to commend our people for their support and prayers not only for the government at the centre, but also for the state and local governments.

    “Yes, things have not been rosy, hence the need for me to commend your courage and perseverance. Our people have been so wonderful for their support and prayers.

    “However, I want to assure you that very soon, you will start to reap the dividends of the socio-economic reforms of the government.

    “At the state level, there’s is no doubt that Lagosians are enjoying positive dividends of democracy with massive infrastructure and human development programmes anchored on people-oriented policies backed by rightly-guided legislation.”

     

     

  • Saraki to Nigerians: don’t be complacent

    SENATE President Bukola Saraki has advised the citizens not to take for granted the country’s democratic dispensation they have been enjoying for the past 19 years.

    Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Yusuph Olaniyonu, urged Nigerians to guard against actions, statements and moves which can truncate the political process.

    Congratulating Nigerians on the 19th anniversary of unbroken elected government, the Senate President advised the people to always be vigilant and speak against anti-democratic policies and actions, which were capable of subverting rule of law.

    He canvassed strict adherence to the principles of rule of law, separation of powers, sovereignty of parliament, independence of the judiciary, and freedom of the press.

    “Our constitutional institutions must be preserved and protected,” he said.

    The statement reads: “As we celebrate democracy today, I congratulate our people and express my conviction that this system of government is the best so far invented.

    “However, it goes beyond the conduct of elections to put leaders in office. Democracy involves strict adherence to rule of law as against the rule of men.”

    political and opinion leaders, who decided to veil their sight as if they are not seeing these infractions on democracy and choose to keep quiet, should know that they equally pose danger to the survival of our country.

    “History will not be fair to us if we allow our complacency to jeopardise democracy. We all must be able to speak out with strong voice on issues that constitute a danger to democracy. Eternal vigilance, they say, is the price of liberty.

    “At this point, let us remember and salute our heroes of democracy, those who toiled and paid different prices for us to have elected government, particularly, those who paid the ultimate price with their lives. Their labour shall definitely not be in vain.”

     

     

  • Democracy Day: Obaseki lauds Edo people for unflinching support

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commended residents and indigenes of the state for the peaceful Democracy celebrations, thanking them for their unflinching support for his administration and policies.

    Obaseki, who noted that his government is strengthening relevant institutions for democratic consolidation, applauded the serene and reflective mood with which the day was marked.

    He enjoined the people of the state to continue to play their role in deepening democracy by actively participating in the electoral process, which has improved over the years.

    He said the state government will continue to work for the people, by designing and implementing people-centric policies, assuring space for equal access to justice and ensuring economic growth and development.

    According to him, “This day is one of extreme significance in our history as a nation as it marks the 19th year of return of power to the people under this republic. I therefore join Nigerians in the celebration.”

    “For nearly two decades, our democracy has continued to mature, leading to strengthened institutions, social justice and economic development. Also, as our democracy is being progressively deepened, our electioneering process is getting better,” he noted

    Noting that improved structures have deepened the dividends of democracy in Nigeria, he said, “In Edo, this advancement in our democracy has resulted in better infrastructure, improved education and health care delivery system, and a government that empathises with those dislocated by social crisis, many of whom unfortunately became victims of human trafficking and modern-day slavery but are now being reintegrated into society.

    “I use this opportunity to call on all Edo people, Nigerians and friends of our dear country to support our effort to enlarge the gains of our democratic journey.”

  • We won’t let Nigerians down, Buhari promises

    I am happy to join the array of eminent Nigerians present here today, as we celebrate the 2018 Nigeria democracy day which marks the 3rd year of this administration and to reflect on the progress we have made in our democratic journey and governance in the last three years.

    A government elected by the people, must continually be in touch with the aspirations of the people and work for their highest possible good.

    The theme of this year’s celebration “Peace building and good governance for sustainable development” has been carefully selected to reflect our current opportunities and challenges.

    We have experienced rough times, but through good governance we have not allowed ourselves to be overawed by the existing of challenges.

    Weak governance is often at the core of rising inequality and unequal development resulting in social disruption and political unrest with negative impacts on growth and development.

    Accordingly, we have engaged in several rounds of dialogue and town hall meetings, targeted at peace building, between the aggrieved and in some cases warring factions and communities. We have worked hard to dialogue with and if they turn unreasonable decimate insurgents in various parts of the country.

    We are still grappling but successfully, with border disputes and restoring the much needed peaceful co-existence amongst our people and neighbouring countries. The rebuilding of the North East is ongoing, to return our internally displaced brothers, sisters and children to their ancestral homes.

    Our resolve to fight corruption was informed by the realisation that reducing corruption and ensuring the effective and just utilisation of public resources, are crucial for achieving sustainable growth and development in Nigeria. Corruption has been at the root of most of the development challenges of our country. There can be no progress in any facet of our national life unless we tackle and curb corruption.

    Good governance is the polar opposite to corruption. Accordingly, we will not relent in our efforts to eliminate it regardless of the opposition.  It manifests itself in several forms including accelerating poverty, conflicts and civil disturbances, as those who feel short-changed, resort to violence and destruction.

    The security in the country today has considerably improved against the background of what we met in May 2015. Incidences of bombings in towns and villages have been drastically curtailed, series of plots have been averted and stopped and culprits arrested through the vigilance, patriotism and professionalism of our security agencies. The entire country has been freed from occupation of any of its parts by insurgents.

    While we grieve with our compatriots who have lost relatives and properties, we are unrelenting in equipping and preparing our troops to confront the agents of violence, who have been engaging in banditry and reckless killings in various parts of the country under whatever guise, until total victory is achieved. Again it is pertinent to note that insurgency and terrorism are world-wide phenomena affecting even the best policed nations.

    Our economy is on the mend. We have achieved a good number of our set objectives, notably increased food production and food security; increased economic diversification into sectors that were hitherto neglected or under-explored.

    Our foreign reserves have reached new heights and the outcome in respect of investments in infrastructure expansion are manifest everywhere.

    Overall, we are on track. I thank and commend all who have worked so hard with us to achieve these successes. I assure you that our people will continue to see and experience more progress, more prosperity and greater security.

    Finally, I call on Nigerians to remain steadfast and to keep faith with this administration, as we remain committed to peace building and good governance, to deliver the best of dividends of democracy to the Nigerian people.

     

  • Democracy Day: Obaseki urges support to enlarge gains

    …says non-interruption, proof of overwhelming popularity

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has described Democracy Day as a day of extreme significance to Nigerians and urged support for the system of government in order to enlarge its associated gains.

    Obaseki who said this in his Democracy Day Message in Benin City, noted that: “This day is one of extreme significance in our history as a nation as it marks the return of power to the people.”

    He maintained that “Despite the challenges we have faced in our effort to firmly establish our democratic institutions and deepen the values, the non-interruption of our democracy since 1999, is proof of its overwhelming popularity and acceptance.”

    Read Also:Democracy Day: Nigeria on the right track, says Osinbajo

    He added: “It has proven to be the best form of government for human development and advancement because it encourages the participation of everyone in the society and we are happy that it is now firmly rooted in our country.

    “In Edo State, we have taken development to the grassroots in recognition of the fact that power belongs to the people.

    “We have institutionalised our relationship with all Edo people and residents in every ward of the state by appointing aides who report the needs of our people in every ward, directly to me.”

    The governor said “the duties of the 192 special assistants in the state’s 192 wards complement those of the elected local government councillors and chairmen, who have since embarked on the transformation of our 18 local government areas, following the successful local government polls.”

    He further said that the appointment of the aides was informed by his administration’s “recognition of people power in a democracy.”

    He called on “all Edo people, Nigerians and friends of our dear country to support our effort to strengthen our democratic institutions to deliver the dividends of democracy to every nook and cranny of the state.”

  • Nigerians not as gullible as you think, APC tells PDP

    THE All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday told the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stop feeding the citizens with false information hoping that they will forget the years of its misrule.

    Nigerians, the APC said, are not as gullible as the PDP think.

    In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the APC said the new antics of the PDP was to spread falsehood without any iota of proof, hoping that would forget what they truly represent and the atrocities that they committed against the country.

    Abdullahi reminded the PDP that Nigerians see through their diversionary antics aimed at deflecting attention from the wanton culture of impunity and corruption it instituted, when it held sway.

    He said: “Nigerians are wiser now and our memories are longer. We can forgive, but we will not forget.”

    The statement reads: “The All Progressives Congress (APC) is increasingly baffled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) new found proclivity for constantly spewing falsehood in the name of opposition rhetoric and politics.

    “This comes against the backdrop of a recent statement by a spokesperson of the PDP, in which the APC is accused of among others corruption, sectionalism and opposition clampdown, in the lead up to the 2019 elections.

    “While it is a widely-known fact that suppressing the opposition was the stock in trade of the PDP during its defunct 16-year rule, the APC has definitely not inherited this undemocratic practice in its governance style both in its internal politics and the country’s administration, under President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “Nigerians will recall how past PDP administrations illegally and routinely used state apparatus to harass opposition figures as seen in the attack on the APC data centre, blockade of the air and road routes to prevent movement of then opposition leaders in the lead up to the 2015 elections, among other clampdowns that are too numerous to list.

    “The PDP is quick to forget the divisive, insensitive and sectional politics it played during the 2015 electioneering campaign when its women’s wing led by a former first lady denigrated the country’s North as parasitic and unwilling to educate and cater for its young populace. In fact, the PDP-led administration at the time pointedly regarded the Boko Haram insurgency as a Northern affair.

    “The PDP without an iota of proof, rather spewing laughable conspiracies, accuses the APC-led administration of ‘barefaced looting’. Elections are around the corner and Nigerians are not gullible. They see through the PDP’s diversionary antics aimed at deflecting attention from the wanton culture of impunity and corruption it instituted when it held sway…

    “PDP’s narrative is anchored on the belief that if they continue to throw these wild allegations around, somehow Nigerians will forget what they truly represent and the atrocities that they have committed against the country. Alas, Nigerians are wiser now and our memories are longer. We can forgive, but we will not forget.”

     

  • Three Nigerians make Talents Durban

    The 11th edition of Talents Durban, an integral part of the Durban International Film Festival, holding from 19 – 29 July, 2018 in South Africa, has announced the names of 19 young African filmmakers who will be participating at this year’s event.

    Three Nigerians – Emamodeviefe Edosio, Oluyomi Tolulope Ososanya, and Sade Adeniran – are among the participants drawn from 13 African countries.

    Sade Adeniran is a Nigerian novelist whose debut novel, ‘Imagine This’, won the 2008 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Book in Africa; Oluyomi Ososanya is a screenwriter, video essayist and producer of the short film, ‘Honey’, while Ema Edosio is a filmmaker, music video director and producer of street film, ‘Kasala’.

    Others are, Aliki Saragas (South Africa), Amjad Abu Alala (Sudan), Brian Gitahi (Kenya), Comfort Arthur (Ghana), Desiree Kahikopo (Namibia), Glele-aboucha Cornélia (Benin), Howard Mashilo Nthite (South Africa), Jessie Zinn (South Africa), Mandimbijaona Andriamaharo Razafimanantsoa (Madagascar), Matamba Kombila (Gabon), Mlingane Dube (South Africa), Nildo Essa (Mozambique), Oualid Khelifi (Algeria), Sejang Otumile Tumi Sejoe (Botswana), Tafadzwa Tarumbwa (Zimbabwe) and Tokoloho Masemene (South Africa).

    Organisers say Talents Durban attracted over 250 applications from 30 countries throughout the African continent, adding that participants were carefully selected by an independent, international, womxn-led Talents Durban alumnae selection committee, with four animation directors, six directors and six screenwriters chosen, and a further three film critics chosen for the Talent Press porgramme.

    The Talent Press, which is a programme to mentor and develop reviewing skills of emerging film critics, is presented in cooperation with FIPRESCI, an association of national organizations of professional film critics and film journalists from around the world, which lobbies for the promotion and development of film culture.

    This five-day development programme holding from July 20 to 24, 2018 during DIFF is presented in cooperation with Berlinale Talents, an initiative of the Berlin International Film Festival, Germany, and made up of workshops, masterclasses and seminars for African filmmakers, delivered by film industry professionals and academics.

    Participants are expected to interact with over 600 delegates from the DIFF and Durban FilmMart, the co-production and finance forum that takes place from 20 to 23 July during the festival. The Talents will also participate in several project-oriented, hands-on skills development programmes. These practical development programmes within Talents Durban include Story Junction, masterclasses, and one-on-one mentorships.

    The participants will be able to further develop their film projects through mentorships and expert-guided Project Labs. Sixteen projects will have the opportunity to join Durban FilmMart for a two-day preparatory workshop, followed by two days of public pitching, round tables, and individual meetings.

    Story Junction is a platform showcasing projects linked to the festival. Talents will present their project at Story Junction to peers and industry delegates. Delegates will be able to request meetings with participants whose projects they wish to engage with further.

    Participants will have access to film screenings, industry masterclasses, panel discussions, festival functions and events of the Durban FilmMart.

    “We are very pleased to have such a diverse range of Talents for our 2018 edition,” says Chipo Zhou, Manager of DIFF. “This is a brilliant programme for the development of film-makers, which the many alumni across the globe can attest to. Here, not only are they able to learn and gather knowledge through the formal programme, but it is a great place to connect with film-makers from other countries, network and share ideas. The value of this for continued and future collaboration is immeasurable.”

    Talents Durban is one of 7 Talents International Programmes formed by Berlinale Talents in Africa and around the world including Talents Beirut (Lebanon), Talents Buenos Aires (Argentina), Talents Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina), Talents Tokyo (Japan), Talents Guadalajara (Mexico) and Talent Press Rio (Brazil).

    Talents Durban is supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, Goethe-Institut SA, German Embassy in South Africa, National Film and Video Foundation and Gauteng Film Commission.

    DIFF is organised by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, with support from eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, the National Film and Video Foundation, German Embassy, Goethe-Institut and a range of other valued partners.

  • Nigerians must have attitudinal change, says Lagos cleric

    For peace to reign in the land, Nigerians must change their ways, the General Overseer of Lagos-based The Saints’ Gospel Church of Christ Pastor Jacob Shodeinde has said.

    Speaking during the first Passover celebration of the year organised by the church, also known as Hand of Fire at its Igando, Lagos headquarters, the cleric maintained Nigerians must positively change their attitude for God’s plan for the nation to manifest.

    The church celebrates the Passover thrice in a year.

    Shodeinde said: “Nigerians should move closer to God; Enough of the anxiety to get rich quick because everything works according to time.

    “We need to focus on serving God right so that we can make heaven and there may be peace in the country. Even the ruling class should forgo their self-importance and seek God faithfully.

    “Many people are mere spectators, church-goers who don’t serve God in truth. But all these should stop.

    “Remember the Bible says many are called but few are chosen; that is why things are getting worse. People should change their thoughts and mind and things would get better.”

    Explaining the importance of the Feast of Passover, the cleric described it as ordained by God for healing, signs and wonders.

    He said: “Our father of old, Moses, led the Israelites to celebrate the Passover to mark their freedom from 430 years of slavery in Egypt.

    “God gave us the vision to continue to mark this Passover and there have been testimonies attached to this celebration.

    “It is a mysterious programme ordained by God to deliver people from their mountainous problems.

    “In Nehemiah chapter 8, the people gathered on the street to mark the Passover.

    “That is what we are also doing today, bowing to worship the Lord who does wonders, except that we don’t offer sacrifices because Jesus was offered as a sacrifice for us. It is a biblical mystery which we have been holding since 1996.”

    The cleric emphasised the significance of the resurrection of Jesus to the feast, saying the resurrection gives man hope that life will be better, especially at this time.

    This, he added, was the purpose of the feast – to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus who shed his blood so man could triumph over evil.

    “That is why we gather annually to celebrate the blood through the Passover feast.

    “The purpose is to deliver the people from their mountainous problems and to gather the candidates of heaven in mount Zion.

    “That is why testimonies can never cease here because mount Zion is the house of the Lord,” he added.

  • Healthcare system inadequate for Nigerians, report claims

    Only 36 percent of Nigerians believe that their health care needs are being met, according to a survey by a global leader in health technology, Royal Phillips.

    It said about half of them trust the system, highlighting a discrepancy between the healthcare expectations of Nigerians and reality.

    It said hospitals are the facilities for basic health checks and vaccinations that should be addressed in a primary care setting, indicating inefficient use of the system.

    The survey results were released in Lagos at ‘The Future of Health’ summit in association with Forbes and CNBC Africa, where eminent speakers shared their insights and case studies on ‘The state of healthcare in Nigeria’.

    The body said over 500 Nigerians were interviewed.

    The findings revealed that more than half of Nigerians lean on hospitals for the most minor ailments. ‘’There is a need for improved access to primary care practitioners, local health facilities, tracking health indicators and a wider availability of information about health, nutrition and fitness. This approach is further reinforced by the fact that the majority (65 percent) of Nigerians believe improved access to health facilities would make them more effective in managing their health, thus alleviating pressure on  healthcare.’’

    Philips Africa Chief Executive Officer, Jasper Westerink, said the study highlights the need for a more focus on preventive healthcare for a sustainable health system, especially given the prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

    “The results also reinforce the need for the national government to invest a significant percentage of its healthcare budget towards medical research, preventive care, acute care and general health education. This also suggests that more personalised consultations, more first-time right diagnosis, and timely treatments from healthcare professionals (HCPs) will further help reduce the burden on the healthcare industry in the country,” he said.

    Westerink said with these findings, the group would engaging with relevant stakeholders to drive the debate and, ultimately, improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of healthcare for future generations.

    ‘’We believe that sustainable healthcare development requires a system-wide approach, combining technology, capacity-building including training, service and maintenance, as well as long-term financing. To that end, we aim to expand access to quality and affordable healthcare across the country and compliment significant efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s growing health sector,” he said.

    Other key findings include: Nigerians feel the national government should be deploying an equal proportion of its healthcare budget toward “sick care” (49 percent) and on preventive measures (48 percent). A majority (65 pecent) of Nigerians believe improved access to health facilities would make them more effective in managing their health, followed by keeping track of health indicators (52 percent), and access to more information about health, nutrition and fitness (48 percent), 82 percent believe that the National Health Insurance will have a positive impact on patient outcomes over time.

    Among those who have ever seen a healthcare professional, most (64 percent) are confident in their healthcare professionals’ understanding of connected care technology.

    Westlink said consumers were expected to use digital technologies to control when, where and how they receive care services. By harnessing digital technologies in this way, he said, the sector would be able to empower human judgement, free up clinician time and personalise care services to put control in the hands of patients.

    To increase the likelihood of connected care technology being used, training opportunities, informational resources, such as databases of available technologies, and government subsidies to manage cost concerns, may be needed to improve health systems at a tertiary level.

    “Conversely, digitisation could additionally offer a breakthrough opportunity to improve the healthcare need of the Nigerian population by breaking down traditional cost structures.

    “By connecting patients, and care providers with public health workers via mobile telecommunications on available cellular networks, we can fill critical gaps in primary care and have a lower cost base at the primary level of intervention,”  Westerink said.

    These findings indicate that there is significant room for growth if investment is made towards the sector.  “Health practitioners in Nigeria must tap into the benefits of information technology to change the face of medical practice in the country and avoid being left out of global trends. Although there are good medical doctors in Nigeria, there is also a need to develop new ways of delivering healthcare like telemedicine for instance. However, the data from this survey in itself is not enough; it is vital that the findings trigger robust debate at a local level to benchmark measurements and, ultimately, contribute to progress,” Westerink added.