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Category: Health

  • H5N1 cases increase to 92 in 12 countries–WHO

    H5N1 cases increase to 92 in 12 countries–WHO

    Influenza

    By Franca Ofili
    Abuja, June, 12, (NAN) The World Health Organisation (WHO) says the number of dairy herds affected by the avian influenza virus  (H5N1) has almost tripled to 92 in 12 countries.

    Also, the number of human cases has increased from 1 to 3 and the number of people being monitored has more than doubled to 500.

    Dr Tedros  Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO said this on Wednesday during an online media conference.

    Ghebreyesus said that since 2003, there have been 893 reported infections of H5N1 in humans, including 11 so far in 2024,  five in Cambodia, three in the U.S., and one each in Australia, China and Vietnam.

    According to him, in that time, the virus has not shown signs of having acquired the ability to spread easily among humans.

    “That remains the case, which is why, at this time, WHO continues to assess the risk to public health as low.

    “In recent years, H5N1 has spread widely among wild birds, poultry, land and marine mammals on several continents,” he said.

    Ghebreyesus said that WHO recommended that anyone working with any infected animals, in any country, should have access to, and use, personal protective equipment.

    “Follow-up, testing and care of people exposed to the virus should continue systematically.

    “Early medical care and support, and thorough and timely investigation of every human infection is essential to evaluate and interrupt potential onward transmission between humans,” he said.

    According to him, WHO is monitoring multiple avian flu viruses in humans through the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System.

    He said that surveillance of flu viruses among animals globally must also be intensified to rapidly detect any changes to the virus that could pose a greater threat to humans.

    “These systems are only as good as the timely detection and the sharing of viruses and information.

    “Collaboration, communication and information sharing between the animal and human health sectors is essential in all countries. This is the meaning of One Health,” he said.

    Avian influenza virus infections in humans may cause diseases ranging from mild upper respiratory tract infection to more severe diseases and can be fatal. 

    Conjunctivitis, gastrointestinal symptoms, encephalitis and encephalopathy have also been reported.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FNO/BRM

    ===============

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Orthopaedic Hospital Jos gets approval to recruit 204 staff – MD

    Orthopaedic Hospital Jos gets approval to recruit 204 staff – MD

    Recruitment
    By Blessing Odega
    Jos, June 12, 2024 (NAN), The Medical Director, National Orthopaedic Hospital, North Central, Jos, Prof. Iche Onche, said on Wednesday that the hospital had secured approval to recruit 204 staff members.

    Onche disclosed this when the House of Representatives Committee on Specialty Healthcare visited the facility on oversight.

    He said that the facility recently got approval from the National Establishment to recruit more workers.

    He, however, said that the recruitment would follow “strenuous due process to ensure that the existing vacancies are filled.

    “We are going through the ministry and I believe, in the next few weeks, we will have a waiver for employment.

    The hospital boss also said that the renovation of the hospital had reached about 65 per cent completion.

    “Our initial plan was to open our doors for services by April this year, but because of paucity of funds, we couldn’t.

    “We cannot continue with the renovation but we believe that with the coming of the committee, a lot will happen when the members  return to Abuja.

    “The ministry is trying to set up an intervention fund for equipment.

    “And on July 1, I am going to present our report card to the Minister of State, Health, and part of it is our request for funds,” he said.

    Onche thanked the Plateau Government for rehabilitating the access road leading to the hospital.

    The Chairman of the committee, Dr Alex Egbona, said they were in Jos “to see things for ourselves”.

    Egbona said that they interacted with the medical director on phone and in Abuja but had yet to see the hospital physically.

    He said that the hospital was approved in 2021 and that they were in Jos to inspect the level of work at the site.

    “To our surprise, in spite of the lean resources, the medical director has done well, in terms of basic infrastructure.

    “When we return to Abuja, we are going to appeal to the ministry to release funds for the hospital to take off effectively,” the lawmaker said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    UBO/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

  • UK varsity, Wellbeing Foundation partner on medical college lecturers training

    UK varsity, Wellbeing Foundation partner on medical college lecturers training
    Photos show some participants at the training

     

    Training

    By Aderogba George

    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), an NGO, has begun a five-day training in Abuja for National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) faculty examiners.

    This is made known in a statement signed and issued in Abuja on Wednesday by Mrs Adanna Maduka, Director of Policy, Partnerships and Grants, WBFA.

    She said that the training is the third batch of its kind in Advanced Obstetrics and Surgical Skills (AOSS), which was inaugurated in February.

    According to her, the first and second batch of the training was held in Lagos.

    She said that the primary goal of the training was to enhance the capacity of NPMCN faculty examiners in training resident doctors in obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN)

    “The five-day training programme holding at the NPMN College in Utako, Abuja, involves over 25 participants who will be trained by the team from The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ Nigeria Liaison Group (RCOG NLG).

    “The session began with introductions led by Dr. Hauwa Mohammed, Country Director for LSTM Nigeria, and Dr. Helen Allott, the course director.

    “They established ground rules and set the tone for an extensive training experience.

    “Participants underwent a pre-test breakout session designed to assess their current knowledge, strengths, and areas for improvement, allowing the training to be tailored to their specific needs,” Maduka said.

    Maduka quoted Allott as saying that between 2000 and 2020, the global maternal mortality ratio (MMR) decreased by 34 per cent, from 339 to 223 deaths per 100,000 live births.

    According to her, in spite of constituting only 2.4 per cent of the global population, Nigeria accounts for 10 per cent of worldwide deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth.

    She said this disproportionately high rate impacts approximately 40 million Nigerian women of childbearing from age 15 to 49 years old.

    She further quoted Allott as saying that high figure highlights the project’s aims at improving maternal and child healthcare outcomes throughout Nigeria.

    She said that the project seeks to reduce these numbers through targeted interventions and comprehensive healthcare strategies.

    According to her, by advancing the AOSS Competency-Based Curriculum for Resident Doctors in OBGYN at NPMCN, the Liverpool School on Tropical Medicine and WBFA seek to ensure the provision of high-quality care for mothers and newborns in Nigeria.

    She also said that the AOSS course focuses on advanced techniques and best practices for managing obstetric and neonatal emergencies, thereby directly contributing to enhanced healthcare delivery.

    Allott, she said, explained that the project is funded by the Global Health Workforce Programme (GHWP), supported by the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and managed by the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET).

    According to her, the project will benefit both the UK and partner country health sectors. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AG/KUA

    ========

     

    Edited by Uche Anunne

  • 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

  • NYSC offers free medical services to indigent rural dwellers in Kogi

     

    Corps members attending to health needs of indigent rural dwellers at Maigari Place Lokoja, on Wednesday

    Outreach

    By Stephen Adeleye

    Lokoja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kogi on Wednesday provided free medical services to indigent residents of Lokoja, Kogi.

    Speaking at the flag-off at Maigari place, Lokoja, the Kogi State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr Femi Osungbohun, said the medical outreach was being conducted under the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme.

    Osungbohun noted that the NYSC-HIRD was launched in 2014 as part of NYSC’s determination to deepen the impact of its healthcare services.

    According to him, the medical outreach is conducted on a quarterly basis with a view to increasing access for the benefiting communities.

    “The NYSC-HIRD is a platform for contributing towards promoting the wellbeing of indigent persons at the grassroots by granting them access to free and qualitative healthcare.

    “The programme is largely implemented through medical outreaches in communities across the country, during which the Corps Medical Volunteers carry out diagnosis and treatment.

    “This includes minor medical procedures and referrals of patients, while drugs, eye glasses and other medical consumables are also given to patients free of charge.

    “I am pleased to report that, so far, over two million persons have been attended to by the NYSC medical teams under the HIRD platforms.

    “To treatment of patients, the medical outreaches also feature sensitisation of community members on disease prevention and care,” Osungbohun said.

    He, therefore, urged the people to avail themselves of the free medical services, while commending the Maigari of Lokoja for his moral and financial support for the programme.

    Osungbohun thanked the government and good people of Kogi for being part of the NYSC-HIRD, and commended the corps members for their tireless efforts toward the programme’s success.

    In his remarks, the Maigari of Lokoja, Alh Ibrahim Kabiru Gambo, commended the NYSC for the gesture towards his people especially the indigent in Lokoja.

    Maigari, who was represented by Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar, noted that the NYSC had recently organised an environment sanitation exercise at Kabawa communities towards ensuring a clean environment.

    “We are grateful to NYSC because we have never witnessed this kind of gesture in our communities before. This will go a long way to impact on the health of our people,” the royal father said.

    The highlight of the occasion was the Health talk by the President of NYSC Medical CDS, Dr Adeniyi Ayomide, as well as enlightenment on mental health.

    The beneficiaries were screened of high blood pressure, diabetes, eye, malaria as well as other health challenges, and gave free drugs.

    One of the beneficiaries, Hajia Kenchi Nasidi, commended the NYSC for the gesture, and prayed Allah to continue to bless the scheme.

    “May Allah continue to bless the NYSC for giving us free drugs and treatment,” Nasidi said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ASA/NCI/VIV

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    Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Vivian Ihecchu

  • Mrs Soludo gives 1000 PWDs free health insurance worth N12.5m

     

    Dr Nonye Soludo addressing PWDs in Awka

     

    Mrs Soludo gives 1000 PWDs free health insurance worth N12.5m
    Enrollment
    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
    Awka, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, on Wednesday sponsored the enrolment of 1000 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) into the state’s Health Insurance scheme to promote their healthcare.
    Soludo made the announcement during a town hall meeting with persons with special needs organised to promote her Healthy Living Initiative in Awka.
    She said that PWDs had the capacity to bring unique values to the journey towards a livable and prosperous Anambra State, when given adequate attention.
    “I invited you because I love you all and look out for you. My husband’s administration also appreciates your undying desire to bring your best to the table of good governance.
    “As I behold your amazing faces, I see strength, tenacity, doggedness and unbeatable ambitions. This is why Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative is giving out 1000 health insurance slots free to PWDs in the state.
    “This is our own way of saying that we care about you and we know that health is the greatest wealth. This free health insurance will be your passport to access the best medicare anywhere in the state.
    “I want you to ensure that you use the health insurance fully to your advantage. When you notice any sign of infirmity, do not waste time visiting your doctor,” she said.
    Soludo urged the PWDs to prioritise their health, eat right, imbibe personal and environmental hygiene to stay healthy and alive.
    Also speaking, Mr Ugochukwu Okeke, Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities in Anambra, requested for the inclusion of PWDs in the Healthy Living campaign.
    According to him, PWDs are more affected when it comes to the issues of healthy living as a result of different challenges hinging on their various nature of disabilities.
    “Including PWDs in your campaign will help get the awareness and support down to our members, thereby enabling an inclusive society,” he said.
    In his keynote address, Prof. Williams Obiozor, Director, Centre for Disability and Special Needs Research, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, advocated for more support and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the society.
    Obiozor said that empowering and catering for the well-being of PWDs was a collective effort and should not be left for government alone.
    In her remarks, Mrs Ify Obinabo, state’s Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, appreciated the Governor’s wife for the demonstration of love to persons with disabilities in the state.
    Mr Simeon Onyemaechi, the Executive Secretary, Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, said the package cost N12,500 annually to get medicines and treatments of health conditions covered by the scheme. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
    LCO/COF
    ==========
    Edited by Christiana Fadare

  • Residents decry indiscriminate dumping of refuse on Lagos roads

    Refuse
    By Henry Oladele/Fabian Ekeruche
    Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Lagos residents on Wednesday decried the heaps of refuse on some major roads around the state without prompt evacuation by the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).
    The residents also lamented the indiscriminate dumping of refuse by Lagosians on the roads.
    In a separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), some residents also faulted LAWMA for the delay in evacuating the refuse in their homes.
    NAN reports that indiscriminate waste disposal is a common issue in many cities, including Lagos.
    It can lead to environmental pollution, health hazards, and other negative impacts.
    A businesswoman, Mrs Ibukun Cole, while speaking to NAN, said that residents can avoid littering and dispose waste properly.
    “I think we really need to be enlightened more on the dangers of improper waste disposal.
    “It will interest you to know that some people even dispose waste in the gutters especially when it rains.
    “I feel there should be a form of community clean-up and awareness programmes in every area to ensure people know the dangers of indiscriminate refuse dump,” she said.
    Cole also urged LAWMA to be prompt in evacuating waste, to remove heaps of refuse all over the state.
    A resident in Agege area of Lagos state, Mr Shina Ibrahim, told NAN that LAWMA was not doing enough in evacuating the heaps of refuse in the area.
    “Refuse dumps are being scattered all over the area and even in our homes, LAWMA does not come regularly as they should.
    “Sometimes, they only come once in a month which should not be so. We need them to regularly show up so that there won’t be heaps of refuse.
    He also urged the government to improve on its waste management infrastructure and services.
    Another resident who lives in the Igando area of the state, Mr Tosin Ogundairo, faulted LAWMA over its inability to promptly evacuate refuse within the area.
    The computer engineer told NAN that residents should take advantage of waste management services and designated bin collection points, rather than indiscriminately dumping refuse.
    “I think LAWMA should increase resources or request for additional funding, equipment, and personnel to enhance waste management operations.
    “They should also implement efficient collection systems or adapt technology-enabled waste collection systems and optimise routes to reduce collection time,” he said.
    A resident in Mushin area of the state, Mr Olamide Johnson, told NAN that the Private Sector Participant (PSP) operators engaged by LAWMA no longer come to their area to pick refuse.
    Johnson added that they dispose their refuse on the roads at midnight.
    “This has become a cause for concern in the area and we appeal to the government and LAWMA to curb the menace,” he said.
    Reacting, the National President of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria, Mr Olugbenga Adebola, encouraged tenements across the country, particularly in Lagos state, to patronise PSP operators assigned to their areas for seamless waste evacuation.
    Adebola disclosed this in an interview with NAN against the backdrop of complaints of residents alleging the absence of PSP operators in the regular evacuation of their wastes.
    He said that such issues are locational, not generalised.
    According to him, tenements who pay for their wastes have the right to call on their PSP operators and the appropriate authorities when they experience gaps in refuse disposal in their area.
    “Many tenements don’t pay for their wastes thus cultivating the habit of indiscriminate waste disposal and this is posing great environmental danger to the environment.
    “If you pay, then you can call the attention of government or your PSP directly to say “I have not seen my PSP, and because many people do not pay, that is why they are dodging, that is why they will continue to litter the area, and it is only through enforcement that they come alive to their duty.
    “Waste has stopped being a social service to what we call a quasi-social service, which means he who pollute the environment must pay for the evacuation of that pollution, that is to say that anyone who generates wastes from Lagos must pay for the evacuation of that waste and a lot of people are dodging right now.
    “Maybe because of economic situation and the PSP is not a charitable organisation, it is not a Father Christmas, it’s he who pays the PSP that the PSP wants to service,” Adebola said.
    A General Physician, Dr Tunji Akintade, said that indiscriminate disposal of waste was detrimental to health, leading to the spread of diseases, contamination of water sources, and air pollution.
    Akintade noted that the practice had assumed an alarming proportion resulting in disease outbreaks, which have severe consequences for individuals, families, communities, and the health system.
    According to him, the country is battling a cholera outbreak among other diseases as a consequence of an unhygienic environment.
    He called for collaborative efforts toward ensuring a clean and healthy environment. (NAN)
    HOB/FBO/JNC
    ============
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Stay back to salvage health sector, Shettima urges resident doctors

    Stay back to salvage health sector, Shettima urges resident doctors
    Doctors
    By Salisu Sani-Idris
    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Vice-President Kashim Shettima has appealed to residents doctors to stay and join hands with President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the ongoing efforts to salvage the nation, particularly the health sector.
    The spokesperson of the Vice-President, Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement on Wednesday, said Shettima, made the appeal when he granted audience to the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
    The association led by its newly elected President, Prof. Bala Audu, paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa.
    The Vice-President also implored the doctors to resist the temptation of absconding without flashing a ray of hope.
    He told them that Tinubu has their interest at heart, saying: “President has a lot of empathy for medical doctors who have chosen to stay back at home despite juicy offers abroad.”
    Similarly, Shettima, who urged the Nigerian doctors not to despair, implored them to remain steadfast and resist the temptation of offering their services in foreign lands.
    He said that: “in President Tinubu, you have an ally who will stand by you at all times.
    “President Bola Tinubu has Nigerian doctors at heart. He has a lot of empathy for our medical doctors who have opted to stay put at home, not for lack of offers.”
    Shettima commended the giant strides of Nigerian doctors and their sacrifices in the service of the nation, especially in repositioning healthcare delivery.
    ” Let us stay back and salvage this nation together, this is our country and the greatest black nation on earth, and a promising nation that we need to invest in.
    ” The NMA is one of the most prestigious, preeminent associations in this country. We must commend you for the sacrifices you are making and for staying put in this nation.
    “All hope is not lost because Nigerian doctors are making giant strides, recording milestones in the profession and, most importantly, making tremendous sacrifices to serve this nation”, he said.
    Shettima further asked the NMA to encourage young doctors to specialize in key disciplines of medical practice and also check the activities of quacks in the profession.
    Earlier, the NMA President, Prof Audu, said the executive members were at the Presidential Villa to show solidarity for the Tinubu administration, particularly on account of its laudable policies for the health sector.
    “The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has come here today as a partner to your government and a patriotic group of Nigerians dedicated to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda of this government.
    “And to ensure that this government delivers quality healthcare to all Nigerians”, he said.
    He assured that the body remained patriotic and will fully support the health policies of the government to drive improvement in quality healthcare delivery and universal access to services to all Nigerians.”
    “This committee will work closely with this government in delivering and implementing the policies of the administration in the healthcare sector.
    “The NMA wants to assure and reassure you that it will play a key role in ensuring stability in the health sector.
    “This is by extension, stability for this government to deliver on its promises to Nigerians as it has already started doing”, he said.
    He applauded the health policies of the Tinubu administration, saying when fully implemented, the programmes and projects will increase the training spaces for specialists in the country.
    “It is known as the residency training programme as well as quality of the postgraduate medical training.
    “We are sure that this government will address the infrastructural needs as well as the remuneration that will improve the wellbeing of Nigerian doctors to remain and serve in this country”, he said. (NAN)
    SSI/KUA
    =======
    Edited by Uche Anunne

  • Minister urges youths’ collaboration in growing economy

    Youth
    By Aderogba George
    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Ibrahim has called on the youths to cooperate with the Federal Government in growing the economy and building a better society for all.
    The minister made the call at the 25th Nigeria’s Democracy Day Youths Conference in Abuja.
    She called on the youth to join hands with the ministry and the government at large, to take the lead in the nation’s quest to become a trillion-dollar economy.
    She stressed that the President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to ensuring that young Nigerians take the reins in the country’s political, economic, and socio-cultural spheres.
    According to her, this commitment is not just in words, as it has been in times past, but through meticulously thought out and  diligently executed plans.
    “As we celebrate democracy day, we also celebrate the dawn of a new era for Nigeria’s youth.
    “This day marks a significant milestone in our nation’s history, a testament to our enduring spirit and collective resolve to build a democratic society.
    “With great pride and a deep sense of responsibility, I stand before you as we embark on a transformative journey to empower our youth and redefine the future of our beloved nation.
    “We are not merely creating opportunities for every young Nigerian; we are preparing, equipping, and empowering you to seize these opportunities,” she stressed.
    The Minister said that government has, over the years,  make some significant strides towards building a promising future for Nigerian youths.
    Ibrahim said that the restructuring of the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) will commence by June 30, adding that the process had been streamlined to ensure more young entrepreneur access the fund for  innovation and to create jobs.
    She disclosed that the National Youth Skills Programme (NYSP) would also kick-off on July 30, 2024, adding that the project aimed to  train many youths with the needed skills to build the economy.
    According to her, the implementation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) reforms will also begin by July 30, to integrate skills development and entrepreneurship into the service year.
    The Minister said that the Youth Development Bank will be inaugurated by Aug. 30, to provide tailored financial services to youth-led ventures, supporting innovative ideas and business growth.
    Ibrahim also disclosed that the Young Leaders’ Institute will be inaugurated by  Aug, 30,  to nurture the next generation of Nigerian leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to excel.
    According to her, bills for legislative action will be sent to the National Assembly to institutionalize a 30 per cent youth quota, restructure the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), and establish the National Youth Fund.
    She said that these legislative actions will solidify Federal Government’s commitment to youth empowerment and ensure sustainable development, adding.. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AG/ROT
    =======
    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Group advocates state commissions against trafficking in persons

    Group advocates state commissions against trafficking in persons
    The group during its meeting in Abuja on Tuesday
    Commission
    By Aderogba George
    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) A group, Counter Trafficking In Persons (CTIP) Cluster group, has advocated for the  establishment of a commission to oversee the issue of human trafficking in states.
    The group, at a learning event on Tuesday in Abuja, stated that states commission on human trafficking would adequately tackle CTIP issues instead of the present taskforces on human trafficking.
    The group said that the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) is currently overwhelmed, adding that state commissions would complement their efforts.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the group is funded by the United States Agency on International Development (USAID), through the Palladium project.
    NAN also reports that the group noted the rampant cases of human trafficking in Benue, Taraba, and Oyo States, and called for funding for the operations of these commissions in the states.
    Mrs Mabel Ade, Executive Director of Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF), called for enhanced counter-trafficking responses, citing poverty, unemployment, and hunger as push factors contributing to the menace.
    “There is a need for government to put up more legal framework to checkmate the activities of human traffickers in Benue, Taraba and Oyo.
    “Human trafficking is a dangerous thing that can make one lose contact with their loved ones forever and this can lead to a prolonged trauma,” she said.
    Members of the group posed for photograph after it meeting in Abuja on Tuesday
    Dr Priscilla Achakpa, the Chief Executive Officer of Women Environmental Programme, highlighted the importance of enforcement of law and value reorientation of the children.
    She noted that legislation alone is insufficient without adequate implementation at the state level.
    “Nigeria has two main problems in fighting human trafficking: weak laws and lack of funds for enforcement, especially at the state level where trafficking starts.
    “This issue is now prevalent in areas with high population of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), unemployment, poverty, and regions plagued by conflict and insurgency.
    Achakpa said that value reorientation was crucial to stem the tide of human trafficking in Nigeria.
    She urged decision makers to take action and support the advocacy efforts of CTIP Cluster group to prevent trafficking, protect victims and prosecute perpetrators.
    NAN reports that the event brought together stakeholders who share knowledge and best practices in tackling human trafficking.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AG/IS
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    Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz