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Author: Auta Justina

  • Group advocates justice, gender progress in politics 

    Group advocate justice, gender progress in politics

    Gender

    By Justina Auta

    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) A Non-Governmental Advocacy Group, Feminism Lab,  has called for social justice and political advancement of women to ensure gender development in Nigeria’s politics.

    The group,  in conjunction with Friedrich-Ebert-Stitung Nigeria,  made the call during an inter-generational dialogue to promote political gender progress and social justice on Friday in Abuja.
    Leonard Oestergaard, Resident Representative, Friedrich-Ebert-Stitung Nigeria, encouraged women to demand for favourable gender principles that would promote social justice and create access to gender justice.
    Oestergaard urged leaders in the feminist struggle to articulate compelling vision of inclusive governance and gender parity.
    According to him, this will give women opportunities to occupy key policy-making positions, as well as access to essential service.
    “Gender justice is both a question of representation in government and political spheres.  It is not only about number or percentage of women in parliament, it is more than that.
    “Over the years we realised that it is not necessarily skills that are lacking in the struggle for gender development but more of the political economy that is not correct.
    “For us to make impact on this journey is to create alliances, not only to work with similar people but to form an alliance or create an alliance that fights for gender and social  justice,” he said.
    Austin Aigbe of West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network, during the panel session,  affirmed the need for equal representation and opportunity for gender equality.
    Aigbe called for reforms that would address the issue of feminism appropriately.
    According to him,  each time women are empowered without creating a place for the man, it creates disaster for the future.
    “This will create a situation where men will have no knowledge about the conversation on feminism,” he said.
    Aigbe said there was need for  affirmative action, adding that “if there is no law in place, it will be extremely difficult to address the issue of gender equality in politics.
    “But by passing a single gender and equal opportunity law, this will increase participation of women in governance and that is the way to go,” he  said.
    Earlier, Vina Adams of Feminism Lab, said the dialogue brought together diverse and dynamic coalition of feminists and community leaders to discuss, understand and promote progressive feminist discourse.
    Adam said the dialogue was a deliberate effort to pass down feminist skills and knowledge to the younger generation in confronting and overcoming discrimination, building resilience, and engaging in protests and activism for emancipation.
    “One of the most significant aspects of this initiative is its emphasis on bridging the generational gap by bringing together feminists of all ages and backgrounds, to foster a rich environment of mutual learning and support.
    “We decided to host this intergenerational dialogue to interrogate the misconception and misunderstanding of feminism, and to ³connect the theory and practice of feminism especially in Nigeria.
    “The dialogue will lay emphasis on the importance of feminism, the history of different feminist movements, and some of the most famous types of feminism.
    “Also, it will help us to understand how continued engagement with feminist theory and practice will mitigate the challenges of misconception and misunderstanding of feminism in Nigeria, ” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    JAD/KAE/HA
    ============
    Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • FG to introduce electronic blood management system – Minister

    FG to introduce electronic blood management system — Minister
    Press briefing in commemoration of the 2024 World Blood Donor Day organised by the National Blood Service Commission (NBSC) on Friday in Abuja.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Blood
    By Justina Auta
    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, says efforts are in place to introduce Electronic Blood Management System for effective and efficient blood service delivery nationwide.
    He disclosed this at a press briefing in commemoration of the 2024 World Blood Donor Day with the theme “20 Years of Celebrating Giving: Thank You, Blood Donors!”, organised by the National Blood Service Commission (NBSC).
    The minister, who was represented by Chris Isokpunwu, Director, Health Planning, Research and Statistics, said that the idea was to ensure availability of safe blood and blood products in Nigeria.
    He said “we are in the process of scaling up activities of the commission to all parts of the country, and introducing an Electronic Blood Management System to ensure effective and efficient blood service delivery.”
    He acknowledged the role of blood donors in saving lives, adding that “the donation rate in Nigeria shows that over 80 per cent of blood collected are from family replacement and commercial blood donors.
     “Data on the donation rate in Nigeria shows that more than 80 per cent of blood collected are from families.
    “Empirical evidence shows that the most reliable and safest source of blood comes from a stable base of regular, voluntary, unpaid blood donors, rather than from commercial sources.
    “The World Health Assembly resolution WHA63.12 urges all member states to develop national blood systems based on voluntary unpaid donations and to work toward the goal of self-sufficiency.”
    The minister said that the use of blood and blood products had become an integral part of modern medical practice as access to safe blood and blood products was critical to achieving an effective health system.
    “With a population of over 200 million, Nigeria’s estimated blood need is about two million units per annum.
    “Unfortunately, much less is currently donated, leading to avoidable deaths, morbidities, or ill health, particularly among our womenfolk, newborns, and victims of road traffic accidents and insurgency.
    “This situation can improve if only one per cent of our country’s adult population commits itself to voluntary non-remunerated blood donation regularly,” he said
    Also, Prof. Saleh Yuguda, the Director-General, NBSC, said “blood donation plays a critical role in saving lives and strengthening the healthcare system in the country.”
    According to Yuguda, transfusion of blood and blood products help patients to live longer and with higher quality of life.
    “Additionally, blood transfusion supports complex medical and surgical procedures, thus, making it indispensable in maternal and childcare, as well as during man-made and natural disasters.
    “Recent data indicates that more people are dying from lack of access to blood and blood products than communicable diseases in developing countries,” he said.
    Dr Walter Mulombo, the Country Representative, World Health Organisation (WHO), said Nigeria is one of the 16 African countries with 80 per cent of blood donation from voluntary blood donation.
    Mulombo, who was represented by Dr Hamzat Tayo, however, stressed the need to create awareness on blood donation as the total number of blood collected was still low at 5.2 units per one thousand population.
    Mohammed Ibrahim, the Chief Route Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), emphasised the need for more voluntary non-remunerated blood donors.
    According  to  Ibrahim, the goal is to save lives and to see that injury and death are reduced by five per cent.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other highlights of the commemoration include conferment of awards to notable blood donors and engagement and advocacy with the media, community and religious leaders. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    JAD/KAE/HA
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    Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • FCT students applaud NAWOJ, others for free sanitary pads

    Menstrual Hygiene Advocacy for teenage girls, held at Junior Secondary School, Jabi 1, organised by NAWOJ on Thursday in Abuja.

    FCT students applaud NAWOJ, others for free sanitary pads

     

    Pads

    By Justina Auta

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Some students in FCT have expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) for distribution of free sanitary pads to reduce procurement cost and increase access during their menstruation.

    The students during the menstrual hygiene advocacy for teenage girls, held at Junior Secondary School, Jabi 1 on Thursday in Abuja, said the gesture would alleviate the challenges they usually face during their menstrual period.

    Khadijat Mohammed, a JSS 2 student, explained that she often used old worn out wrappers due to the high cost of sanitary pads.

    “My elder sister usually buys sanitary pad for me, but due to the increasing cost of sanitary pads, we have been forced to use our old worn out wrappers during menstruation, “she said.

    Also, Somadima Emmanuel, JSS 1 student, said the high cost of sanitary pads, forced her to use tissue paper during her menstruation, which exposed her to infection.

    According to her, the free sanitary pads have eliminated the cost of procuring one and reduced risk of infections.

    Joseph Nwosu, a junior student, said he had been empowered with more knowledge on GBV, menstrual hygiene management and negative vices that might hinder his development.

    He, therefore, appealed to the government and other stakeholders to make available sanitary pads for female students to reduce cost of procuring it and increase their concentration in school during their menstrual period.

    Mrs Bassey Ita-Ikpang, FCT Chairperson, NAWOJ, said the initiative was to ensure accessibility of sanitary pads to underprivileged girls, educate students on menstrual hygiene management and Gender Based Violence (GBV).

    Ita-Ikpang, who noted the high cost of sanitary products, especially for underprivileged girls, stressed the need for the government and other stakeholders to ensure girls are able to afford and access menstrual pads.

    According to her, the theme, “If condom is Free, let’s make menstrual pads free too” resonates from the need to promote access to sanitary pad.

    “We want to ensure that those who truly need it are captured. Menstrual period is a natural thing that cannot be controlled, while condom is for pleasure.

    “Free distribution of pads should be a priority, if condoms are freely available in public facilities then, menstrual pads should also be available for easy access,” she said.

    On the issue of GBV, the NAWOJ Chairperson emphasised the critical role boys play in ending the menace and other harmful traditional practices affecting women and girls.

    “When you are talking about gender, you cannot be successful when you have not brought in the boys.

    “The boys should also know the things that are right and that will help them know what they shouldn’t do to the girls,” she said.

    Also, Rabiatu Abdullahi, Vice Principal, JSS, Jabi 1, commended the association, adding that the initiative would alleviate the hardship some of the students face in accessing menstrual pads.

    Similarly, Naomi Okomudo, President, Abuja Royal Women Empowerment Initiative, while speaking on GBV, encouraged the students to be vigilant, seek help where necessary and always speak out to ensure perpetrators were prosecuted to avoid reoccurrence.

    Also, Francisca Ogar, who spoke on menstrual hygiene, advised the students to be deliberate about their hygiene and keep track of their menstrual period to enable them prepare ahead with materials needed during their menstrual cycle.

    Other highlights of the events were the distribution of writing materials to some of the students. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng0

    JAD/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • CSOs advocate community-based approach to end GBV

    CSOs advocate community-based approach to end GBV

    GBV

    By Justina Auta

    Abuja, June 12, 2024 ( NAN) Civil Society for the Eradication of Tuberculosis in Nigeria has called for community involvement and other stakeholders coordinated efforts to end the rising cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria.

    Mr Nathaniel Salifu, FCT Coordinator for the control of Tuberculosis, made the call at a media roundtable on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Salifu said the increasing cases of GBVprompted the Community-Based Organisations working on TB, HIV/AIDs and Malaria and Implementing the TB Network C19RM/RSSH Global Fund Project, to include it in their work.

    He explained that unified efforts and community involvement, as well as government implementation of policies would end GBV cases.

    “In Nigeria, GBV manifests in various forms, including domestic abuse, verbal aggression, physical violence, rape, early and forced marriages, incest, female genital cutting, acid attacks, and even outright killings.

    “Women, men, boys, and girls continue to endure degradation and deprivation in both public and private spaces.

    “The Civil Society for the Eradication of Tuberculosis in Nigeria calls upon all stakeholders to combat the rising cases of gender-based violence in our society.

    “We implore every citizen not to remain silent. Let us unite our efforts to eradicate this menace from our nation. If you witness something, please speak out,” he said.

    He added that funding for primary healthcare delivery should be carefully mapped out.

    He further called for sanction against any misappropriation or mismanagement, to enable a robust public health programme at all levels to improve healthcare services.

    “Addressing these challenges in health systems requires robust action through strengthening infrastructure, securing financial resources, renewing political leadership and fostering collaborations.

    “Also, evidence-based interventions, such as Community-Led Monitoring, should be scaled up in addition to innovative service delivery models and technological adaptations to minimise disruptions to routine care,” he said.

    Mr Julius Ibecheole, FCT  Coordinator, Civil Society for Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN), emphasised the need to ensure perpetrators of GBV are prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others.

    “We are integrating this in the project to educate community dwellers on their rights, what constitutes GBV with a view to end the practice,” he said.

    Also, Mr Peter Ikiti, Coordinator of Network of People Living with HIV/AIDs (NEPWHAN), stressed the role of media and other stakeholders on ending GBV and holding policy makers accountable on implementing laws targeting at improving the well-being of citizens.

    Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim, Focal Person of FCT Control HIV AIDS (FACA), FCT public Health Department, said the Gender and Human Right Technical working group had been activated as a response team.

    According to her, the response team is to handle GBV cases, particularly among HIV/AIDS persons in the FCT.

    Similarly, Dr Bunmi Adeyemi, representing stakeholders from the FCT Health Promotion Department, pledged continuous support to community based organisations assisting government facilities in the PHCs.

    Adeyemi, represented by Zaid Umar-Abore, reiterated their commitment to ensure adequate preventative measure to prevent avoidable illnesses. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

    JAD/AMM

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • FG, USAID conduct 1,566 fistula repairs in 5 states

    Fistula

    By Justina Auta

    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the US Agency for International Development (USAID), has conducted more than 1,566 fistula repairs from 2021 to date.

    The repairs were carried out in Bauchi, Ebonyi, Kebbi, and Sokoto states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, disclosed this at the end of a project learning and dissemination workshop for USAID-MOMENTUM Safe Surgery in Family Planning and Obstetrics (MSSFPO) project, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Kachollom, who was represented by Dr Binyerem Ukaire, Director, Family Health, also said that a fistula pricing model has been developed to improve access to services for survivors through the National Health Insurance Scheme.

    She added that the partnership equally ensured access to safe and surgical obstetric care across the project implementing facilities.

    She identified some of the services as caesarean delivery and peripartum hysterectomy, obstetric and iatrogenic fistula prevention care, female genital cutting prevention and management, as well as gender-based violence.

    “These have contributed to 1,566 fistula repairs feat at the project-supported facilities, including the training of many healthcare workers in surgical obstetrics prevention, treatment of fistula and prevention of female genital cutting.

    “This partnership and interventions in these critical areas is saving the lives of women and young girls as well as ensuring their wellbeing,” she said.

    Dr Kabiru Atta, Country Project Manager, USAID-MSSFPO, said that apart from the fistula care for over 1,566 clients, the project also ensured that 81 per cent of the clients received rehabilitation and reintegration care.

    To this end, Atta said that over 350 health workers across 48 hospitals were trained on fistula care and management, 60 on the management of complications of female genital mutilation.

    She added that 1.2 million people were reached with social and behaviour change messages.

    “Before the project came on board, one of the things we identified was that only 17 per cent of fistula clients were actually having access to rehabilitation and restoration services.

    “We were able to put in place systems or mechanisms to ensure that after the end of the project today, 81 per cent of fistula clients who now walk into the government hospitals to access service are actually receiving holistic fistula care services.

    “They are not only receiving surgeries, they are also receiving family planning and psychosocial counseling, therapy services, nutritional services, and psychosocial services among others to restore their dignity of life,” he said.

    The Project Manager commended all the states, especially Bauchi and Ebonyi for implementing some of the recommendations targeted at reducing maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity.

    On her part, Ms Suegatha Rennie of USAID, noted that the project has contributed significantly in the reduction of maternal and new-born mortality and morbidity.

    Rennie commended the implementing partners and other stakeholders for the overall success of the project recorded so far.

    She, however, said that despite these successes, inflation has continued to affect the cost of inputs for fistula surgery.

    “This requires increased investments by the government and all partners to ensure we eliminate fistula by 2030.” (NAN) (www.nannwws.ng)

    JAD/FDY

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    Edited by Philip Yatai

  • Women Affairs minister mourns NCWS National President

    Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs, signing a condolence register at the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) headquarters on Wednesday in Abuja.
    Women Affairs minister mourns NCWS National President
    Condolence
    By Justina Auta
    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs,
    expressed sadness over the death of Hajiya Lami Adamu-Lau, the National President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), which occurred on Tuesday.
    Kennedy-Adamu, who visited the NCWS headquarters in Abuja,  described Adamu-Lau,  as a mother and committed towards uplifting Nigerian women.
    “She was a mother and sister, who was passionate towards uplifting Nigerian women and ending all forms of violence and harmful practices against women and girls.
    “She was a humble and compassionate Mother and Sister whose earnest pursuit as the leader of the Council is to ensure the upliftment of the lives of the gender to enable them attain their optimum height in life,” she said.
    The minister,  therefore, urged NCWS members to emulate her exemplary lifestyle by working together to ensure that women occupy their quota for the socio-economic development of the nation.
    While commiserating  with Nigerian women, family and friends over the loss, the Minister urged them to take solace in God as death was inevitable and will come when it will come.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Adamu-Lau died in the early hours of Wednesday after a brief illness in Kebbi and had since been buried in her hometown In Lau, Taraba state.
    She emerged the National President in April 2022 after winning unopposed.
    She initiated alot of empowerment programmes that ameliorated the sufferings of many indigent women across the country.
    She also embarked on several exercises on ending Gender Based Violence (GBV) and harmful traditional practices against women and girls in the country. (NAN)
    JAD/SH
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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • NCWS annouces death of its National President

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    NCWS annouces death of its National President
    President
    By Justina Auta
    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) on Wednesday, announced the passing of its National President, Hajiya Lami Adamu-Lau, who died in the early hours of eEdnesday , after a brief illness in Kebbi .
    This is contained in a statement issued by Mrs Naomi Agbo, Head of Administration in Abuja.
    “Hajiya Lami Adamu-Lau was a dedicated leader and champion of women’s empowerment who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
    “Her tireless efforts and contributions to the betterment of our society will never be forgotten,” she said.
    Agbo, described the late National President as a shining example of dedication and service to humanity, whose impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
    According to her, Adamu-Lau will be buried according to Islamic rites  in her hometown in Lau, Taraba.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that  in April 2022, Lau  emerged the new national president of the NCWS, after winning unopposed.
    She initiated a lot of empowerment programmes that ameliorated the sufferings of many indigent women across the country.
    She also embarked on several sensitisation exercises on ending Gender Based Violence (GBV) and harmful traditional practices in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    JAD/EBI/SH
    ===========
    Edited by Benson Iziama/Sadiya Hamza

     

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    (more…)

  • NGO seeks free clubfoot treatment integrated into health system

    Clubfoot

     

    NGO seeks free clubfoot treatment integrated into health system

     

    Clubfoot

    By Justina Auta

    Abuja, June 5, 2024 ( NAN) An NGO, the Nigeria Partners on Clubfoot Treatment has called for the integration of clubfoot treatment into the public health system to treat the 10,000 cases recorded annually in the country.

    The President of Nigeria Clubfoot Treatment Partners and Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Peace Amaraegbulam, made the call in a message to mark the World Clubfoot Day.

    Clubfoot is a musculoskeletal birth defect that causes the feet to turn inwards and upwards.

    World Clubfoot Day is celebrated every June 3, to raise more awareness on clubfoot and the need for early detection, referral and timely treatment.

    The teme of the celebration is “Empowering Life: Steps to Clubfoot Freedom”.

    Amaraegbulam, who is also a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, described clubfoot as the most common musculoskeletal birth defect.

    ”No child should endure the preventable disability of untreated clubfoot.

    “In Nigeria, over 10,000 children are born with this condition each year, and without treatment, walking becomes extremely difficult and painful as children walk on the sides of their feet.

    “This leads to discrimination, social stigmatisation, and loss of economic opportunities.

    “We call on government and health institutions to integrate free clubfoot treatment into Nigeria health system, to enable the treatment to be more accessible.

    “Philanthropists should also consider giving towards the cause of providing free treatment for the clients, especially the neglected older children,” Amaraegbulam said.

    According to her, Ponseti treatment, which entails a systematic series of casting and orthotic bracing treatment that permanently and non-surgicallly correct clubfoot is effective in treating young children.

    She, however, noted that out-of-pocket healthcare costs; poor access to healthcare facilities; inadequate numbers of healthcare professionals; and lack of foot-abduction braces as barriers preventing Nigerian children from accessing care.

    Amaraegbulam said that the Nigeria Partners on Clubfoot Treatment, consisted of three NGOs – The Straight Child Foundation, HANDS, and Positive Care and Development Foundation in collaboration with MiracleFeet, that ensured that children with clubfoot received care locally.

    “These three organisations in Nigeria operate clubfoot clinics in select states.

    “To avail yourself of the free clubfoot treatment, Kindly locate the clinic nearest to you in the state where you reside.

    “The clinic schedules specific days for treatment, ensuring children receive the necessary care and support for clubfoot correction,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    JAD/FON/SH

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    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Sadiya Hamza

  • Organisation distributes food items worth N15m to FCT communities

    t

     

    Organisation distributes food items worth N15m to FCT communities

    Food

    By Justina Auta

    Abuja, June 2, 2024 (NAN) A group known as Emmanuel TV Partners, on Sunday, distributed food items worth over N15 million in FCT communities.

    Mrs Ogechi Tagbo, Coordinator of the group, said that the food items were distributed in commemoration of the third anniversary of the passing of Temitope Joshua (TB Joshua), Founder of the Synagogue Church of all Nations (SCOAN).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Emmanuel TV is the media arm of SCOAN

    According to Tagbo, the initiative is to honour the legacy of the late Joshua and support to the less privileged in the society.

    She recalled his humanitarian services and it’s impact both within and outside Nigeria, especially during natural disasters and conflicts.

    “Emmanuel TV Partners Abuja made a vow to continue spreading the love and teachings of Jesus Christ, as exemplified by TB Joshua.

    “Our outreach today is a testament to his selfless and generous spirit of our late Prophet. We aim to continue his legacy of love, faith, and support for the less privileged,” she said.

    She said that the essential items including 350 tubers of yam, 300 bags of rice, 350 cartons of noodles, wrappers, mobile phones for the elderly, bread, and beverages, drinks, toiletries and cash gifts were distributed.

    Tagbo said these would support the elderly, widows, and other vulnerable members in the community, especially with the economic challenges bedeviling the nation.

    Tagbo said that the group would also visit the Gifted and Talented Orphanage in Trademore and the FCT School of the Blind in Jabi to support the vulnerable groups as part of the evangelical outreach.

    She revealed that similar gestures would also be replicated by Emmanuel TV partners all over the world, where food items and livelihood support would be distributed to support the less privileged.

    Eno Ekanem, one of the partners, said that the outreach was to show love and give back to the community to show God’s blessing.

    “Our goal is to reach out to those who can not provide for themselves, especially the elderly and the downtrodden,” he said.

    Similarly, Nneka Mba, another member, commended the substantial nature of the donations in spite of the current economic situation.

    “Considering the current economic situation, we have managed to gather significant quantities of rice, beans, noodles, and other essentials.

    “Our contributions are valued between N15 million to N16 million,” she said.

    Japhet Akawu, traditional ruler of Tasha Village Jiwa Chiefdom, expressed appreciation for the gesture.

    “Today’s generosity from Emmanuel TV Partners signifies a turning point for our community. This act of kindness brings hope and is a blessing for us all,” he remarked. (NAN)

    JAD/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza