The Rolan Foundation has stepped up efforts to improve access to eye care services in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), targeting at least 1,000 residents through a free medical outreach. Mr. Olorunisola Azeez, FCT Coordinator of the foundation, said the outreach, held on Saturday, included free eye screenings, distribution of eyeglasses and eye drops, as well as basic medical checks for beneficiaries aged 38 years and above. The initiative was implemented under the Abuja Vision Support Programme 2026, in collaboration with the Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) and the FCT chapter of the Nigerian Optometric Association. Azeez explained that the…
Author: Newsdesk
Gov. Alex Otti of Abia says his administration remains committed to making all 948 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) across the state fully functional, with emphasis on quality standards and sustainability. Otti made the pledge on Friday night during a monthly media chat with journalists at the Government House, Umuahia. He said that although 200 PHCs had been completed, they would not be inaugurated until they are properly equipped and adequately staffed. He explained that the focus is not only on infrastructure but also on delivering functional health services to residents. “In the area of healthcare, we continue to functionalise the…
The Rotary Club of Ilorin Metro, the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) and the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) have agreed to partner to improve Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in communities across the state. This was the resolution reached during a panel discussion organised by the Rotary Club on Saturday in Ilorin. In his address, the President of the Rotary Club of Ilorin Metro, Mr. Buhari Oladimeji, said the initiative aims to address the pressing issues of access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities, particularly in underserved areas. Oladimeji said there is a need for…
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has trained highway sweepers on health and safety to enhance efficiency and reduce occupational risks. The Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed this in a statement made available to reporters on Saturday in Lagos. Gbadegesin said the training was held along the Ikate–Elegushi corridor of the Lekki-Epe Expressway on Friday. He noted that the initiative underscores the authority’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of frontline sanitation workers. Gbadegesin said the training focused on the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including gloves, masks and safety boots, as well as the…
Nigeria’s currency is showing early signs of stabilisation against the British pound, supported by ongoing reforms of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and improving macroeconomic fundamentals. The naira closed at N1,837/£1 at the official market on Wednesday, holding below the key psychological threshold of N1,900/£—a level analysts say has strengthened bullish sentiment around the local currency. Market indicators suggest the naira has retained much of its gains against the pound this year, following a period of heightened volatility. Reforms, reserves underpin stability The relative stability is largely attributed to policy tightening and structural reforms introduced under the CBN Governor,…
A fire has gutted the Ebonyi State Health Cold Store housing immunisation and solar units received from the National Primary Health Care Development Authority (NPHCDA). Dr. Moses Ekuma, Commissioner for Health, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday. The Commissioner said the destroyed facilities are worth over N100 million. “These include vaccines, vaccine carriers, cold chain boxes, laptops, documents, five refrigerators, two solar refrigerators, 45 solar batteries and inverters. “Others include hospital beds and foams received from the NPHCDA, Abuja, for distribution to local government areas (LGAs) next week,” he said.…
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Lagos State Chapter, has urged the government to act swiftly against the proliferation of fake and substandard drugs. The State Chairman, Mr. Tolulope Ajayi, told reporters on Friday that drug distribution in Lagos and across the country remains deeply concerning. Ajayi lamented that the Federal Task Force on counterfeit and substandard drugs has not been inaugurated in Lagos, despite being operational in other states. “The task force is critical and will complement the efforts of regulatory bodies in ensuring that medicines in our communities are safe. “The integrity of the state’s drug…
An environmental expert, Sanusi Maikudi, on Friday called for greater inclusion of women in Nigeria’s water sector to enhance sustainable water management and environmental protection. Maikudi, a former Managing Director of the Kaduna State Water Corporation, made the call during a climate monthly hangout in Kaduna. He said the number of women in the sector remains grossly inadequate, stressing the need for deliberate policies to promote gender inclusion. According to him, improving women’s participation will help build the expertise required to address emerging challenges in water management. “Stakeholders should invest more in water and environmental education to produce skilled manpower…
Roche Products Ltd. has partnered with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to expand coverage, improve quality and ensure equitable healthcare access for Nigerians. The collaboration, through the Health Innovation Leadership Academy, is designed to accelerate the realisation of Universal Health Coverage nationwide. The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader health sector reforms aimed at strengthening systems, improving financing and widening access to affordable healthcare services. Through the partnership, the NHIA is deploying innovative strategies to ensure that no citizen suffers financial hardship when accessing essential healthcare services across the country. Speaking in Lagos, Roche Acting General Manager, Dr. Bolarinwa Oyedeji,…
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has recorded 135 deaths from Lassa fever as of Epidemiological Week 10 of 2026, with the case fatality rate rising to 26.2 per cent, according to its latest situation report. The NCDC disclosed this on Friday in its Lassa Fever Situation Report for Epidemiological Week 10 (March 2–8, 2026). The report indicates that the fatality rate is significantly higher than the 18.3 per cent recorded within the same period in 2025, raising fresh concerns among public health experts. It stated that although the number of confirmed cases declined during the reporting…