Blog

Abbas urges stakeholders’ investment in education
Education
By EricJames Ochigbo
Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas has urged all stakeholders to prioritise investment in education to safeguard the future of Africa.
Abbas made the call on Thursday in Abuja, at the 2024 Day of the African Child celebration, organised by the Project Hope Alive, an NGO interested in child development.
Abbas, represented by his Special Assistant on Youth Matters, Mr Lamir Umar, said that the children are the future of the continent.
“Education for all, is empowerment for all Africans, it is also an investment in the future we so yearn for, for the Africa we always strive to develop.
“Children are the compass of this historic continent; therefore, investing in their education will no doubt bring immense return today and tomorrow.
“Let me use this opportunity to call on all stakeholders to consider education as a necessity, as a collective input to continue building an Africa we will be proud of,” he said.
In his remarks, the President of Project Hope Alive, Amb. Chibuzo Okereke, said that the initiative to celebrate Day of the African Child commenced in 2016.
He said that education was an enabler, a stimulator and a fundamental human right that should be enjoyed by all.
Okereke, however, said that as a result of social inequality, there was a need to speaker for the vulnerable if they must have access to education.
“So for us, we are advocating for inclusive quality and relevant education, especially for children, just in line with the African Union declarations and framework and most of the countries of Africa, including Nigeria, sign into the Child Right Act.
“The aspirations of the Act is so that no child should be left behind, 2024 is the year of education in the African Union.
“So it should reflect even in the country’s budget, it should reflect even in policy directions of government of countries in Africa,” he said.
Okereke called for proper data bank of children on the continent to ensure proper education was delivered to them especially those with disabilities.
He said that with proper data, Nigeria should be able to take education to all out-of-school children wherever they might be, saying that retired teachers could play a role in teaching in communities.
Okereke said that there was gap that needed be closed in the education system, suggesting that corporate organisation should consider investing in education as part of the Social Corporate Responsibility (CSR).
The president announced a cash donation of N100,000 and other items like books, school bags, water bottles, writing materials among others to Junior Secondary School Jabi I, which hosted the ceremony.
Other stakeholders at the event also donated cash to the school to support indigent students, while others offered scholarships for some orphans in the school.
In her remarks, the Principal of the school, Dr Grace Onyeanusi, commended the organisers for choosing to mark the day in the school.
Onyeanusi appreciated Project Hope Alive and its partners for the donations and items donated to the school for the children.
She said a lot were being done to support the students saying that the schools believed in education for all.
The principle pledged to continue to reach out to the speaker and other stakeholders to support the school execute with some critical projects in the school.
Miss Jimo Nazirah, a JSS 2b student in an interview with NAN, said that she was happy to be in school.
She urged all stakeholders to do all it took and ensured every child, not just in Africa but in the entire world have access to education.
Guests at the event were treated to a variety of cultural dance display by the students, spoken words, and debates among others. (NAN)
EOO/AMM
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru
June 20, 2024
Experts unveil alternative to extractivism
Extractivism
By EricJames Ochigbo
Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Some experts under the auspices of the Nigeria Socio Ecological Alternatives Convergence, have unveiled an alternative approach to extraction of mineral resources from the soil in a bid to salvage Nigeria’s deteriorating ecosystem.
The experts drawn from Civil Society Organisation (CSO) frontline community activists and academics unveiled the document, on Thursday in Abuja.
The Executive Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Mr Nnimmo Bassey, said that the convergence had been thinking, planning and acting to drive an alternative ecological blueprint for Nigeria.
He said that an alternative ecological approach that respected the right of mother earth, and protected the planet and its people was the sole aim.
“We will be presenting the Nigeria Socio Ecological Charter that highlight the key ecological challenges across the country and present a policy pathway that is both progressive and protective of the planet.
“The charter represents a powerful call for a fundamental transformation of Nigeria’s socio-ecological landscape.
“It outlines a vision and plan for creating a sustainable, fair, and balanced society that prioritises the well-being of individuals and the preservation of the natural world.
“The charter presents a clear roadmap towards achieving our collective vision for our ecological wellbeing, firmly grounded in the values of fairness, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability,” he said.
According to Bassey, Nigeria cannot continue to depend on extractive ideas of extractivism, believing that wealth has to be dug out of the earth crust to survive.
He said that the way mining and oil extraction had been done over the years had damaged Nigeria to a large extent.
“The national social ecological alternative is proposing that we have to start thinking and doing things in ways that are in harmony with nature, that makes it possible for every Nigerian to live at peace with the environment,” he said.
In his keynote address, Prof. Zacharys Gundu, an expert in African Archaeology, said that there was a need to think differently to reverse the challenges of Nigeria.
According to him, the thinking that brought us here is not the same thinking that will take us out of the situation.
He said that Nigeria must look inward to address the challenges facing the country, saying that sustainable solution wouled not come from outside.
On his part, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, said all Nigerians have a role to play to salvage Nigeria’s deteriorating ecosystem.
He urged all Nigerians to engage in tree-planting and farming as well to meet the high demand for food in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng
EOO/AMM
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

June 20, 2024
Police arrest 4 over alleged killing of Alex-Ekwueme Varsity student

Killing
By Uchenna Ugwu
Abakaliki, June 20, 2024 ((NAN) The Police Command in Ebonyi has arrested four suspects in connection with the alleged abduction and killing of Magnus Okeke, a student of Alex-Ekwueme Federal University (AE-FUNAI), Ikwo Local Government Area of the state.
DSP Joshua Ukandu, Spokesman of the Command confirmed the arrest to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abakaliki.
“Yes, we have commenced investigation on the matter and four persons have so far been arrested in connection with the heinous crime.
“The victim’s body has been recovered and taken to the mortuary. Investigation is ongoing to unravel the death. Four suspects have been arrested so far,” he said
The management of the university, had in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Mr Elom Iyke Ubochi, described the abduction and killing of Okeke as wicked.
Ubochi noted that Okeke, an extra year student of the Department of Accountancy was abducted on June 1, 2024.
“Yes, the security agencies have apprehended some of those alleged to be involved in the abduction and did everything possible to rescue him alive.
“Unfortunately, on Monday, June 17, the decomposing body of Okeke was painfully recovered under the bridge at Ako stream in Nwakpu village, on Ikwo/Abakaliki Road,” he said
The university urged anyone with useful information that could aid in the investigation to come forward and assist the authorities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
UVU/EBI/IU
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Edited by Benson Iziama and Isaac Ukpoju
June 20, 2024
We’re committed to food security -Aiyedatiwa

We’re committed to food security -Aiyedatiwa
Food
By Segun Giwa
Akure,June 20, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State says his administration is committed to food security and welfare of the people of the state.
Aiyedatiwa stated this during the flag-off of the second phase of distribution of palliatives and farm implements to beneficiaries in Akure on Thursday.
The governor said that the initiative was in line with the government’s plan and commitment to ensure food security and stabilty in the state, especially in view of the challenges occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.
Aiyedatiwa appealed to traders and other service providers to shun exploitative practices, adding that there was a need for empathy and compassion in business dealings.
He said that the government had constituted an Agriculture and Food Security Committee in combating food insecurity, lauding their previous successes and ongoing efforts.
The governor said that the second phase of the palliatives entails distribution of 24,000 bags of rice, 14,040 bags of maize, 3,440 bags of garri.
“Others are over 170 farm tricycles, tillers and Canoes – implements, aimed at benefiting various groups across the state,” he said.
The governor assured the people of more welfare packages and stressed the need to leverage on local resources for agricultural production.
“Our administration is undoubtedly committed to regular interventions and activities towards alleviating sufferings, hunger and ensuring massive availability of food supply in the state.
“I call on us all to refrain from shylock tendencies to exploit others, not minding the implication of such actions on the economy and people’s welfare.
“Specifically, I call on our Iya-lojas,
Baba-lajes, farmers associations, transport management bodies and all other production and trade organisations in Ondo State and Nigeria at large.
“They should encourage their members, to start bringing down prices of food, goods and services,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa also thanked all agricultural stakeholders for their support and expressed confidence that collaborative efforts would improve Ondo State and Nigeria.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Mr Olayato Aribo, said that food security was one of the primary responsibilities of governments.
He urged beneficiaries to use the distributed items judiciously, adding that the distribution would continue and reach all local governments, farmers, and individuals. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
GSD/AYO/AOS
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Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Bayo Sekoni

June 20, 2024
WAEC to gradually eliminate use of papers in examinations — Official
WAEC to gradually eliminate use of papers in examinations — Official

WAEC
By Abiodun Lawal
Abeokuta, June 20, 2024 (NAN) West African Examination Council (WAEC) in Nigeria says it would gradually eliminate the use of papers in the conduct of its examinations.
Dr Amos Dangut, Head of National Office, disclosed this on Thursday after monitoring the conduct of the ongoing West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Abeokuta.
The WAEC boss, who was in the company of the Permanent Secretary, Ogun Ministry of Education, Mrs Mariam Oloko, explained that WAEC was planning to deploy electronic devices to various recognised examination centres across the country for the future conduct of WASSCE.
He said that the deployment of the devices would eliminate the current use of paper registration of candidates and detect all forms of malpractice in the centres.
” We are saying that in the future, we are going to give this provision where schools that have facilities to do computer-based testing will take the examination on the computer where those that are not ready will do the pen and paper.
” We will work in consultation with the Ministry of Education to have a timeline for this. When the time comes we shall roll it out,” he said.
Dangut explained that the assessment was satisfactory, noting that the schools and the students had prepared well for the examination.
He, however, added that there was need for schools to have bigger laboratories that would cater for the students with sufficient equipment.
According to him, over 1.8 million candidates are writing the examinations across the country.
On her part, Oloko noted that the Gov. Dapo Abiodun-led administration had already commenced the process of online registration of pupils in both public and private schools in the state.
The permanent secretary assured continuous upgrading of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and other facilities in public schools to prepare teachers and students.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the monitoring team visited Abeokuta Grammar School and Baptist Girls College, both in Idi-Aba.
The team also visited Sacred Heart College, Oke Ilewo and Charis College, Oke Ata, both in Abeokuta.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
LKA/KTO/SOA
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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Oluwole Sogunle
June 20, 2024
African Championship: Minister tasks Team Nigeria athletes on victory
Rehearsal
By Babatunde Ogunrinde
Lagos June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh, has urged Nigerian athletes to treat the upcoming African Championship in Cameroon as a perfect rehearsal for the Olympic Games in Paris.
Enoh gave the charge in a statement issued on Thursday by Diana-Mary Nsan, the minister’s Special Assistant on Media.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) had announced a list of 40 athletes to represent the country at the African Championships in Douala, Cameroon.
Tobi Amusan, Favour Ofili, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, and Chidi Okezie, were some of the big names to the competition.
The Minister emphasised the importance of the championship as a precursor to the Olympics, highlighting its role in preparing athletes for podium success at the world’s biggest sporting event in Paris.
“The African Athletics Championship should serve as a dress rehearsal for the Olympics.
“I charge all our flag bearers to represent the green and white flag with pride and aim to bring back the first position trophy at the end of the tournament,” the statement quoted Enoh as saying.
The minister, while noting the significance of the season and the heightened scrutiny athletes would face, urged the Team Nigeria athletes to be cautious about their diet and hydration.
“Knowing fully well the remarkable achievements you had in Ghana, I believe you can replicate and even surpass those feats. You have done it at the African Games; you can do it again.”
He said that the dedication and hard work of the athletes continue to inspire hope and pride among Nigerians. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
BAO/EMAF
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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne
June 20, 2024
LASG arraigns ex-Punch worker over alleged N998m fraud
Arraignment
By Ngozi Njoku
Ikeja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government on Thursday arraigned a former employee of Punch Nigeria Ltd., Olusegun Ogunbanjo, charged with N998 million stationary fraud.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ogunbanjo, whose residential address was not provided, was arraigned on eight counts bordering on conspiracy to commit felony to wit obtaining under false pretence, stealing and forgery.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Following his not guilty plea, the state Counsel, Mrs Qawiat Shomade, asked the court for a trial date and also prayed that the defendant be remanded in prison, pending the hearing and the determination of his bail application.
The Defence Counsel, Mr T.E. Okeke, informed the court that he was appearing for the first time in the matter and that he needed ample time to file the bail application.
Okeke pleaded with the court for a closer date for him to file and move the bail application on behalf of his client.
“My lord, I plead for a closer date to tender an application to grant the defendant bail,” he said.
Justice Ismail Ijelu, thereafter, remanded the defendant in Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.
Ijelu told the defence that the court would have looked into the bail application if it was ready.
“If you had your application, the court would have looked into it but while we wait for it, the defendant should be remanded at the correctional facility,” he said.
The judge adjourned the case until Oct.16 for commencement of trial.
Earlier, the prosecution told the court that the defendant with others still at large allegedly committed the offences between January 2017 and December 2022 in Ikorodu, Lagos.
The prosecution submitted one of the court count that the defendant fraudulently obtained the sum of N417 million from one Mr Durodola Balogun on the pretext that he was going to use the money to purchase stationaries and supplies for financing Local Purchase Order from Punch Nigeria Ltd.
The prosecutor also alleged the defendant fraudulently collected N581 million from one Mr Olusola lkuyajesin under the guise of purchasing stationaries and supplies for financing Local Purchase Order from Punch Nigeria Ltd.
The state counsel told the court that the defendant allegedly stole and converted the sum of $5,000, property of lkuyajesin to his personal use.
The prosecution also alleged that the defendant forged Punch Local Purchase Orders.
According to the prosecutor, the alleged offences violate Sections 411 (2) 314, 285, 287 and 365 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State (2015) (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
NG/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
June 20, 2024
Protesters urge Gov. Sani to invite EFCC to arrest predecessor
Protesters urge Gov. Sani to invite EFCC to arrest predecessor
Protest
By Hussaina Yakubu
Kaduna June 2024(NAN) Protesters on Thursday stormed Kaduna Government House, asking Gov. Uba Sani to invite the officials of EFCC and other relevant security agencies to prosecute his predecessor, Nasil El-Rufai, over an alleged fraud of N423billion.
The protesters, in their large numbers, conducted the peaceful protest under the auspices of a group, ‘Kaduna Citizens Watch for Good Governance (KCWGG)’.
They began trekking from UTC Bus stop that leads to the Government House, singing solidarity songs for Sani and displayed several placards with different inscription.
They condemned the alleged financial mismanagement, abuse of power and a growing debt burden incurred for eight years by the last administration.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that sme of the inscriptions read, “We will occupy all MDAs to chase out all indicted persons in the report’.
Others were: ‘Stop servicing all loans that did not follow due process before they were obtained. Jimi Lawal almost killed Kaduna State the way he killed a bank some years ago’.
NAN further recalled that on March 30, 2024, Sani had revealed during a town hall meeting that the state was facing a substantial debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities inherited from the previous administration.
He lamented ,”This has led to over 70 per cent of the state’s allocation being used to service the inherited debts.”
NAN also reports that, in response, the Kaduna State House of Assembly formed an ad-hoc committee to investigate the state’s financial transactions from May 29, 2015 to May 29, 2023.
The committee, led by Henry Magaji, submitted its findings on June 5, 2024, revealing significant unaccounted funds and alleged irregularities in financial transactions.
The report highlighted the alleged mismanagement of funds, diversion of loans, over-payment of contractors, and lack of transparency in the usage of state funds.
Addressing journalists shortly after arriving Government House, the Chairman of the protesting group,Victor Duniya said, “We, the Kaduna Citizens Watch for Good Governance , appreciate your presence as we express our grievances today.
”Our state has endured financial mismanagement, abuse of power, and a growing debt burden for the past eight years.”
He further explained that the most troubling finding was the alleged diversion of N10.5billion meant for pastoral nomadism and the construction of the Milk Industry at Damau, Kubau LGA and that of Galaxy Mall, Kaduna
Duniya added that the report uncovered over-payments to contractors, payments to unregistered companies, and funds disbursed for work not completed, amounting to over N36.3 billion.
“The report also revealed large sums of money withdrawn from the state treasury without proper documentation of its usage.
”Furthermore, an expenditure of over N11 billion on a non-existent MRT transportation scheme was documented with no evidence to support it,” he said.
He added that as concerned citizens, they condemn in the strongest terms possible, the alleged outright and merciless looting of the state.
The group also commended Sani for holding on to the ideals of the democracy he worked for by not interfering in the activities of assembly as widely expected.
Duniya added, “We commend Sani for running an open government, where regular consultations are carried out with the various stakeholders, especially during town hall meetings.
“We commend the Kaduna State House of Assembly for the thorough work done in unraveling the financial atrocities committed against our state, in spite of blackmails and threats from the beneficiaries of the alleged financial heist.”
The group further called on Sani to implement relevant sections of the report that fell under his purview.
“We call on him to officially forward the findings of the committee report to the relevant anti-corruption agencies to enable them to swing into action and recover our resources at their disposal,” he said.
The chairman of the group was later received by the Deputy Governor, Hajiya Hadiza Balarabe, Secretary to the State Government, Abdulkadir Meyere, Deputy Chief of Staff, Umar Hassan-Waziri, Private Personal Secretary (PPS) and Prof. Bello Ayuba, among others.
The government officials appreciated the group’s peaceful protest and assured them that their message would be forwarded to the governor who was unavoidably absent at the time the protesters arrived government house.(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
HUM/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 20, 2024
FAO, Adamawa Govt. distribute farm inputs to 187,250 farmers
Farmers
By Talatu Maiwada
Jabbi-Lamba (Adamawa) June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Adamawa Government have begun the distribution of farm inputs to 187,250 farmers in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States
Speaking at the event on Thursday at Jabbi-Lamba, Girei Local Government Area, Adamawa, Mr Dominique Kouacou, FAO’s Nigeria/ECOWAS Representative, said that the support followed the seeming escalation of food insecurity in the country.
Represented by Mr Luck Manga, Head of Office, North-East, Kouacou, said that a large population of people in the North-East were at the risk of facing food insecurity.
Kouacou said that the intervention, supported by the European Union, USAID, Swiss Development and Norway’s Foreign Affairs among other partners, was targeted at benefiting about 26,750 households.
“In all, the intervention will benefit no fewer than 187,250 individuals across the the three states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe,” he said.
The FAO representative, said that a total of 5,350 households and 37,450 individuals would benefit from the programme in Guyuk, Madagali, Michika and Girei areas of Adamawa.
“They will receive essential inputs such as cereal seeds, legume seeds, vegetable seeds and NPK fertilisers.
“This collaborative effort is geared towards restoring and strengthening food security in the state.
“It is also aimed at supporting the communities to restart their individual means of livelihood, improve food production and foster economic resilience,” he said.
Earlier, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri, said that the collaboration was a significant milestone in the effort to transform agriculture in the state and the North-East region at large
Represented by Prof. David Jatau, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Fintiri commended FAO for the support, describing it as timely and impactful.
“Agriculture is not just a sector, it is a way of life. Your support has been instrumental in building resilience in our agriculture sector and ensuring food security.
“From these initiatives, the farmers will receive high quality seeds, fertiliser and other inputs that will help to produce high yielding crops,” he said.
The governor said that the state government was already providing training supports to farmers to improve their skills and competence.
“Our intention is to develop sustainable agricultural practices that will ensure long-term food security for our people,” he said.
Halilu Bello, a beneficiary, appreciated FAO and the state government for the initiative, saying that the inputs would help the farmers to eliminate hunger and rebuild their sources of livelihood.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations that is leading international efforts to eliminate hunger. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TIM/FON/AZU
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Edited by Florence Onuegbu and Azubuike Okeh
June 20, 2024
WHO warns against falsified medicines for diabetes treatment, weight loss

WHO warns against falsified medicines for diabetes treatment, weight loss
Medicine
By Franca Ofili
Abuja, June, 20, 2024 (NAN) The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a medical product alert on falsified semaglutides, the type of medicines that are used for treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity in some countries.
WHO made this known on Thursday in a statement.
It said that the alert addressed three falsified batches of product of semaglutide class of medicines (of specific brand Ozempic).
It said the medicines have been detected in Brazil in October 2023, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in October 2023, and the United States of America in December 2023.
“WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS), has been observing increased reports on falsified semaglutide products in all geographical regions since 2022.
“This is the first official notice issued by WHO after confirmation of some of the reports,” it said.
Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Essential Medicines and Health Products, said that WHO advised healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities and the public to be aware of these falsified batches of medicines.
Nakatani called on stakeholders to stop any usage of suspicious medicines and report to relevant authorities.
“The semaglutides, including the specific brand product that has been falsified, are prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes in order to lower their blood sugar levels.
“Semaglutides also reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
“Most semaglutide products must be injected under the skin on a weekly basis but they are also available as tablets taken by mouth daily,” she said.
According to her, these medicines are shown to suppress appetite in addition to lowering blood sugar levels, and therefore are being increasingly prescribed for weight loss in some countries.
She said that WHO has been observing increased demand for these medicines as well as reports on falsification.
“These falsified products could have harmful effects to people’s health; if the products don’t have the necessary raw components, falsified medicines can lead to health complications resulting from unmanaged blood glucose levels or weight.
“In other cases, another undeclared active ingredient may be contained in the injection device, for example, insulin, leading to an unpredictable range of health risks or complications,” she said.
Nakatani said that semaglutides were not part of WHO-recommended treatments for diabetes management due to their current high cost.
She said that the cost barrier made these products unsuitable for a public health approach, which aimed to ensure the widest possible access to medicines at the population level.
According to her, it also strikes a balance between the best-established standard of care and what is feasible on a large scale in resource-limited settings.
“Also, there are more affordable treatments available for diabetes, with similar effects to those of semaglutides on blood sugar and cardiovascular risk,” she said.
According to her, WHO is currently working on a rapid advice guideline on possible use of GLP-1 RAs, including semaglutides, for treatment of obesity in adults and as part of a more comprehensive model of care.
“The term GLP-1 RAs stands for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, which include semaglutides, for a class of medicines used for diabetes treatment to lower blood sugar and support weight loss.
“To protect themselves from falsified medicines and their harmful effects, patients who are using these products can take actions such as buying medicines with prescriptions from licensed physicians and avoid buying medicines from unfamiliar or unverified sources, such as those that may be found online.
“People should always check packaging and expiry dates of medicines when they buy them, and use the products as prescribed
“In the case of injectable semaglutides, patients should ensure they are stored in the refrigerator. All notifications on falsified medicines can be sent to WHO via rapidalert@who.int,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FNO/AMM
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

June 20, 2024