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Stakeholders hail Tinubu’s Executive order on healthcare products

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Tinubu appoints new DG NAPTIP, six others

The Healthcare Equipment and Allied Products Providers of Nigeria have praised President Bola Tinubu for signing the executive order aimed at increasing local production of medical and other healthcare products.

In a press statement issued on Friday, the equipment providers also urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to consider reducing the cost of Good Manufacturing Practices certificates for medical devices.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, announced in June that President Tinubu had signed an executive order to boost local production of healthcare products, including pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and devices such as needles and syringes, as well as biologicals and medical textiles.

Pate stated that the order is crucial to the success of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, which was approved by the President in October 2023.

He explained that the order introduces zero tariffs, excise duties, and Value Added Tax on specified machinery, equipment, and raw materials, aiming to reduce production costs and enhance the competitiveness of local manufacturers.

Specified items include Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, excipients, and other essential raw materials required for manufacturing critical health products like drugs, syringes, needles, long-lasting insecticidal nets, and rapid diagnostic kits, among others.

The order also includes market-shaping mechanisms such as framework contracts and volume guarantees to encourage local manufacturers. It mandates collaboration between the Ministers of Health, Finance, and Industry, Trade and Investment to develop a Harmonised Implementation Framework, expediting regulatory approvals and reducing bottlenecks.

Agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service, NAFDAC, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service will ensure swift implementation, with special waivers and exemptions effective for two years.

According to HEPAN, the order will help mitigate the rising cost of medical services in the country, particularly at a time when Nigerians’ disposable incomes are constrained by record-high inflation rates.

The National President of HEPAN, Dr Ifeanyi Nwankwo, said, “The implications of this order by President Tinubu will greatly reduce the cost of medical services for everyday Nigerians while also creating more jobs for unemployed youths.”

He added, “The association also expresses its sincere gratitude to the Minister of Health, Prof Muhammad Pate, for expediting the signing of the decree.”

The Board Chairman of HEPAN, Mustapha Falaki, stated, “This is a laudable policy requiring the support and collaboration of all industry stakeholders to ensure its successful implementation.”

Falaki expressed HEPAN’s commitment, as a critical stakeholder in the Nigerian healthcare services support and delivery sector, to ensuring the policy’s success, flawless execution, and adherence by all HEPAN members.

He also appealed to the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, to consider reducing the cost of GMP certificates for medical devices.

“Reducing the cost of GMP certification is another key element that will further lower the cost of medical devices in the Nigerian market and make basic medical services more available and affordable for medical institutions,” he noted.

He added that the eventual effects of this would lead to even lower charges by medical institutions for Nigerians who need medical attention but are constrained by the high cost of GMP certification, which is ultimately passed on to end-users.

According to the World Health Organisation, GMP is a component of quality assurance that ensures medicinal products are consistently produced and controlled to the quality standards appropriate to their intended use and as required by the product specifications.

GMP defines quality measures for both production and quality control and establishes general measures to ensure that processes necessary for production and testing are clearly defined, validated, reviewed, and documented, and that the personnel, premises, and materials are suitable for the production of pharmaceuticals and biologicals, including vaccines.

HEPAN is an association of specialised medical equipment importers and other specialised medical services, established in 2019 to support government efforts in standardising the importation and distribution of medical equipment into Nigeria, in collaboration with other relevant government parastatals.

Gov Fubara approves N300m for Medical Residency Training

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Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has approved the allocation of over N300 million as a grant to support 389 medical doctors in the State Civil Service undergoing residency training.
This funding will cover two consecutive years, 2023-2024, with individual payments ranging between 800,000 and 900,000 naira per resident doctor annually.
For 2023, a total of 215 resident doctors received the grant while 174 have been funded in 2024, the government said.
This initiative marks a significant advancement in healthcare funding under Governor Fubara’s administration, as residency training grants have only been disbursed twice in the past 16 years, with the most recent distribution occurring in 2018.
In a statement on Friday from the Rivers State Government House Press Unit, Governor Fubara emphasized that this support aims to “enhance the dedication and effectiveness of resident doctors during their critical training phase, which is essential for acquiring the skills necessary for delivering high-quality medical services while employed by the state.”
State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, lauded the initiative, noting the crucial role of updated training in enhancing the capability of healthcare personnel to tackle challenges and improve the quality of healthcare delivery in the state.
Dr Oreh said, “These are essential for doctors to stay current with the latest medical knowledge and practices, ensuring they can provide the best possible care to patients.
“Research is a critical component of medical training, and these funds help cover the costs associated with developing and presenting research proposals and dissertations.
“Also, travelling to examination centres can be costly, especially for doctors stationed in various parts of the State.
“For these examinations which are usually held outside the State, and in some cases, outside the country, this funding ensures that transportation costs do not hinder their ability to attend necessary examinations,” she added.
The commissioner emphasized that the gesture of Governor Fubara, barely one year in office, will ultimately yield better health outcomes for Rivers people in particular and Nigerians at large.
Gov Fubara approves N300m for Medical Residency Training

Gunmen kill policeman at Anambra checkpoint, injure one other

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Kidnappers abduct Benue Poly Rector, others, demand N70m 

Gunmen have attacked a police checkpoint at Omata Junction, Nnewi-Oba Road in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

It was gathered that the hoodlums invaded the area at about 9:20 am on Friday and threw explosive devices at the police operatives at the checkpoint.

It was further gathered that during the attack, one policeman was killed while another was injured.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday.

Ikenga added that the state Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Itam, has ordered an intensive manhunt for the gunmen.

He said, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, has ordered a manhunt operations for gunmen who attacked the police team at about 9:20am today 9/8/2024, at a checkpoint, Omata junction, Nnewi Oba road.

“The operation led by Assistant Commissioner in charge of Nnewi Area Command is already working with the locals in the area to unmask and apprehend the attackers.

“Meanwhile, in the ensuing gun duel by the police operatives, one of the police personnel was fatally hit by an explosive thrown at them by the gunmen and the other that is seriously injured is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

“To this end, police team has taken over the area,  further details shall be communicated.”

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I inherited N3.2bn debt upon assuming office — NAFDAC DG

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NAFDAC trains stakeholders in pharmaceutical ingredient production

The Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye on Friday disclosed that she inherited a debt of N3.2 billion when she took over the agency’s affairs in 2017.

She added that another N500 million was unaccounted for, during her interview on Channels Television’s programme, Inside Sources.

Adeyeye noted that if such financial loss had happened in developed climes like the United States, the agency would have been “declared bankrupt and a financial house would have taken over the management of our finances.”

The NAFDAC boss said, “When I got to NAFDAC, I met N3.2b debt, and N500m missing and there was no account for it before I came.

“I asked them if they had capital projects they used the money for. Bear in mind that at that time, N1 million was equivalent to $2,000. So multiply $2,000 by N500m. I was coming from the US where money was hard to get. You worked hard for your money. I could have given up but I saw an opportunity and I seized it.

“It was tough because if that had happened in the US, NAFDAC would have been declared bankrupt, and a financial house would have taken over the management of our finances. But I didn’t have money to hire a financial house.”

She acknowledged that Nigeria is a blessed nation with “enough endowment” to facilitate improved development.

Adeyeye also recalled how she reduced the high expenses by some officials of the agency, citing the introduction of technological applications like Zoom, to cut travel expenses.

She noted,  “My point is that we have enough endowment in this country to make things better, and I am using NAFDAC as an example.

“I said I was going to cut to the bone. I am going to be using technology to ensure that our system moves on.

“We started Zoom meetings in 2018. Many people didn’t like because it they were used to getting travel allowances and DTAs. But we had to save.

Stop parading yourself as national youth leader – Ohanaeze tells Okpalaezeukwu

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The apex lgbo Socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has advised Mr Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, the erstwhile Acting National Youth Leader of the body to stop parading himself as Ohanaeze youth leader.
This was contained in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, in Enugu.
According to Ogbonnia, Okpalaezeukwu had long been directed to revert to his position as the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Youth Wing but he kept parading him as Acting National Leader of Ohanaeze Youth wing.
“The directive was contained in a letter to Okpalaezeukwu, dated July 24, by Amb. Okey Emuchay, the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
“In asking Okpalaezeukwu to revert to his position, Emuchay admonished; “you are aware that there exist positions above you in the hierarchy of the organization but you were granted a privilege to act as the Youth Leader for several months”,” Ogbonnia said.
He recalled also that the immediate past President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, had written a letter of reinstatement as the National Youth Leader to Mr Damian Okafor, after an official visit to Ebonyi State.
“The National Executive Committee (NEC) of Ohanaeze was astonished that even after Okpalaezeukwu has been relieved of the position of the acting National Youth Leader, it appears that another “Ohanaeze” monster has been created,” he said.
Ogbonnia alleged that on July 30, Okpalaezeukwu invaded the National Headquarters of Ohanaeze Ndigbo with thugs who hit and maimed all that stood their way.
“Above all, the Okpalaezeukwu and his misadventures destroyed and desecrated everything that is held sacred in the Ohanaeze Secretariat. His anger is a delusion and a wild misconception that he will act as a youth leader in perpetuity.
“He was also reported to the Enugu State Director, Department of State Services, and the Enugu State Police Command, among others but Okpalaezeukwu has defiantly continued to parade himself, falsely and conceitedly as the Acting National Youth Leader.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the National Youth Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is Damian Okafor Okafor emerged through a democratic process on Aug. 5, 2021. he stated.
He pointed out that the election that produced Okafor was keenly contested after the accreditation of delegates from the seven Igbo-speaking states of Abia, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Rivers states.
He added that Okafor who hailed from Ebonyi state defeated 3 contestants to emerge the National Youth Leader in the peaceful election.
The publicity secretary further said that Emuchay was therefore, alerting the unsuspecting public that Okpalaezeukwu had been declared a persona non grata; unfaithful, unworthy, unfit and maladjusted to the core values of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
“The general public is advised by this press release to distance themselves from Mr Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu on issues pertaining to Ohanaeze in their own interest.,” he warned.
When contacted, the factional Acting national youth leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu dismissed Alex Ogbonnia’s claims, saying he remains the youth leader.
Stop parading yourself as national youth leader – Ohanaeze tells Okpalaezeukwu

ActionAid seeks support for rescued Abuja children

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ActionAid seeks support for rescued Abuja children

ActionAid Nigeria has called on the government to provide support for children rescued from infanticide, a practice where children are killed, often due to cultural or societal beliefs.

The practice, which is said to be predominant in five out of the six area councils in the Federal Capital Territory: Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali and Abuja Municipal Area councils have led to killing of twins, Albinos and children whose mothers die while breastfeeding them.

The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu made the plea during a visit by the group’s board members to Vine Heritage Homes in Abuja on Friday.

Vine Heritage Homes is the facility housing some of the saved kids in the FCT.

“Infanticide is a practice that robs children of their right to life. We urge the government to take concrete steps to stop this practice and provide support for these vulnerable children,” he said.

ActionAid has been partnering with Vines Heritage Home for six years, supporting the care of over 200 children rescued from infanticide.

However, Mamedu noted that sustainable funding and government support remain significant challenges.

“The government has a crucial role to play in stopping infanticide and providing support for these children.

“We have engaged with government agencies and officials, and we will continue to advocate for the rights of these children” he said.

Mamedu commended ActionAid’s partnership with Vines Heritage Home, saying, “Together, we have rescued over 100 persons from infanticide. We will continue to work together to ensure these children receive the care and support they need.”

ActionAid’s efforts aim to protect children’s rights and promote a culture of acceptance and inclusivity.

By supporting children rescued from infanticide, the organisation hopes to create a safer and more just society for all.

Speaking at the event, the founder of Vine Heritage Home Foundation, Steven Olusola, called on the government and public to combat infanticide.

Olusola said, “When we started engaging with local communities, we faced more challenges as people began bringing children they couldn’t care for, including twins and those with deformities.”

Despite this, he said the foundation has reunited 30 children with their families, ensuring their safety through regular check-ins.

Olusola expressed gratitude for support from individuals, churches, and organisations like Action Aid, but emphasised the need for more assistance.

“This project is bigger than us, and we need collective support to succeed and set an example for other communities,” he said.

He called on the government to sustain efforts to combat infanticide which it started in 2013, and urged organisations and individuals to support education, medical care, and social services for the rescued children

#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest organisers call for IG’s sacking

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#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest organisers call for IG's sacking

The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Organising Committee has demanded the dismissal of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in response to the killing of protesters.

This demand was made during a candlelight symposium held in honour of the victims at the Rights House in Ikeja, Lagos State, on Friday.

Recall that the committee, based at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota, Lagos, had declared three days of mourning for those killed nationwide during the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests.

The hunger strike, which was intended to last for ten days, is now on its ninth day as of Friday.

Amnesty International has accused the Nigerian security forces of killing at least 21 protesters during a week of demonstrations against economic hardships.

At the candlelight symposium, a member of the committee and National Spokesperson of the Youth Rights Campaign, Comrade Hassan Taiwo, emphasised the urgency of sacking the IGP, stating that more than 40 people have lost their lives nationwide. “We are demanding the sacking of the Inspector General of Police,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, the CDHR candlelight procession is expected to commence in Alausa after the symposium.

Details later…

Daniel Ayantoye

Daniel, well versed in print and multimedia journalism with about 10 years experience, is also a videographer, photographer, cinematographer, video editor, and website developer

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

Protest: Listen to the demands of the youths – Obasanjo to Nigerian Govt

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to listen to the demands and concerns of the youth which necessitated the nationwide protests.
Obasanjo made the call on Friday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while playing host to six members of the National Assembly.
The ex-Nigerian leader said what the youth were seeking through the nationwide protests was legitimate, stressing that there could be dire consequences if their demands were not met as soon as possible.
The six lawmakers are co-sponsors of a bill seeking a single six-year term for presidency and rotation between the North and the South.
Obasanjo urged the Federal Government to listen to the youth and not treat their concerns with levity.
“You are what you are today because you’re a Nigerian; I’m what I am also because I’m a Nigerian. So why should they be Nigerians and be languishing in poverty?
“They make demands and we’re not listening to them. Many of them are frustrated, desperate, angry, and unemployed. What do we expect?”
Obasanjo noted that for Nigeria to attain its highest status, all hands must be on deck, just as “our mentality should also change”
According to him, the issue is not whether the country should adopt a single six-year term or maintain the status quo.
If the mentality of the people in governance does not change, then Nigeria will remain where it is, he stressed.
Protest: Listen to the demands of the youths – Obasanjo to Nigerian Govt

We’re committed to entrepreneurship, sustainable development in Nigeria – Japan

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Japan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, has said that his country is committed to fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Nigeria.
The ambassador said the Government of Japan is keenly interested in supporting the start-up ecosystem in Africa’s largest economy.
Kazuyoshi spoke on Friday in Abuja at the closing ceremony/Demo day of Idea Hatch (iHatch) Start-up Incubation Programme Cohort III organised by Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA.
He noted that since its inception in 2021, the program has empowered early stage businesses dedicated to addressing societal challenges through innovative technologies and ideas.
“We have 10 standout ventures that will showcase their ingenuity today, and it is a testament to their hard work and the support they have received.
“Japan’s involvement in this initiative through JICA underscores our commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Nigeria.
“Our experts have provided capacity building and training support, ensuring that these startups gain technical knowledge and imbibe Japanese business ethics- punctuality, adherence to rules, and a relentless pursuit of quality improvement,” he said.
The ambassador noted that at the 8th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD8), AAIC, a Japanese company, and a Nigerian start-up company that contributes to expanding peoples’ access to quality medicine in the country, signed a MoU for cooperation.
He said the Japanese company utilises Japan’s cutting edge technology to fight counterfeit medicines and ensure access to high quality medication across Africa.
“This example illustrates that while technology is crucial, it is the adherence to these fundamental principles that often determines success,” he said.
“The Government of Japan is keenly interested in supporting the start-up ecosystem in Nigeria.
“This was demonstrated by the Japanese Foreign Minister Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko’s visit on April 30 to Ventures Park, a prominent Nigerian start- up accelerator hub.
“During her visit, she exchanged views with start up entrepreneurs and stated Japanese venture capital firms’ role in strengthening Nigeria’s startup ecosystem through investments in start-up companies.
“The significance of Japan’s support for Nigerian start-ups extends beyond technical expertise. It is about fostering a partnership where knowledge exchange enriches both sides.
“As these startups grow, I envisage stronger collaboration between Nigerian and Japanese companies, leveraging each other’s strengths for mutual prosperity.”
Speaking earlier, the Director-General of NITDA, Inuwa Abdullahi, in his opening address, noted that one of the success stories of the start-up programme is the creation of jobs.
According to him, “Because of the success of cohort 1 and 2, we decided to expand cohort 3 to five locations – Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Gombe. Part of the success story of Cohort 1 and 2 was, we trained 16 startups 32 with participants . But they created a combined job of 179 and over 1000 indirect jobs.”
We’re committed to entrepreneurship, sustainable development in Nigeria – Japan

Nigeria takes 2 steps forward, 2 steps backward – Obasanjo

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Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Friday said the country can only progress when those in power change their mentality and critically re-examine themselves.
Obasanjo also described Nigeria as a country that takes two steps forward and two steps backward.
The former President spoke while receiving six lawmakers from the House of Representatives, led by Ugochinyere Ikenga, Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo State.
Other lawmakers in attendance were Abdulmalik Danga, Adavi/Okehi, Usman Midala, Askira-Uba/Hawul, Peter Aniekwe, Anambra East/West, and Kama Nkemkanma, Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo.
Obasanjo noted that the lawmakers’ calls for a single-term Presidency, one-day countrywide elections and power rotation between the North and South were insufficient to set the country on the right path.
He said purposeful leadership and a solid team are the only factors capable of driving positive development in the country.
Obadanjo said, “What I know about Nigeria is that we need to get it right in terms of leadership and the team. The point is that, within two and a half years, we can overcome these challenges.”
He warned that Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gunpowder that might blow up at any moment if the country’s leaders do not take bold and immediate action to address numerous problems.
“In another 10 years, we need to consolidate what we have achieved, and in 25 years, we will be there. Our problem is that we take two steps forward and probably two steps backward, and that won’t get us anywhere.
“In the African system, we typically work through consensus. We need to join hands to make things work. If we get it right, whether we have a single six-year term Presidency or two four-year terms, we need to work on our mentality.
“We have to decarbonize our brains. Our main problem is ourselves. Until we address our own issues, the length of office terms won’t matter.
“If the same people with the same mentality are in power, nothing will change. Our starting point is ourselves,” the ex-President added.
In his remarks, Ikenga said the lawmakers were in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, to consult the former president and take advantage of his wealth of experience in development and good administration.
The legislator praised Obasanjo for the various reforms he brought about during his administration and accused succeeding governments of not expanding on his achievements for the good of Nigerians.
“If there had been consolidation of electricity reforms, foreign policies, civil service reforms and digital reforms by successive governments, we would not be facing the economic challenges we are today,” the lawmaker said.
Nigeria takes 2 steps forward, 2 steps backward – Obasanjo

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