The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) has engaged key stakeholders in Kebbi State on integrating basic cancer prevention and screening services into existing family planning programmes. The engagement meeting, held on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi, brought together officials from the Ministry of Health, the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, traditional and community leaders, development partners, civil society organizations, and health professionals. Speaking at the meeting, NICRAT representative Zainab Ahmad said the initiative aims to strengthen access to early cancer detection by leveraging the wide reach of family planning services at the primary healthcare level. “Cancer remains…
Author: Newsdesk
Airtel Nigeria on Thursday announced a partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink, marking a technological shift that will integrate “Direct-to-Cell” satellite technology into the country’s mobile ecosystem. Speaking at a news conference in Lagos, Airtel Nigeria CEO Dinesh Balsingh said the initiative would bridge the digital divide and expand connectivity to Nigeria’s most challenging terrains. The partnership, set to go live in 2026, aims to serve the estimated 12 percent of Nigerians who remain outside the reach of traditional terrestrial mobile networks. Unlike traditional bulky and costly satellite phones, the new Starlink “Direct-to-Cell” system uses a constellation of approximately 650 advanced satellites…
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has inaugurated the vaccination of 2,500 livestock against Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in Yobe State. Dr. Mitchell Alao, Director of Animal Health and Reproductive Services at the ministry, launched the campaign in Damaturu on Thursday. The programme was facilitated by Messrs Astute Synergy Limited. Alao described CBPP as one of the most economically damaging trans-boundary animal diseases affecting Nigeria’s cattle population. “For years, the disease has posed a persistent threat to sustainable livestock development and market opportunities for pastoralists and cattle farmers. Its impact—marked by reduced productivity, high mortality, and severe economic losses—undermines rural…
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a key driver of food security and inclusive economic growth. Kyari made the remarks on Thursday during the Combined National Project Steering Committee (NPSC) meeting in Abuja. Describing the NPSC as “a strategic committee that sits at the intersection of policy authority, development financing, and the national imperative to secure the nation’s food systems,” the minister emphasized the ministry’s resolve to exercise its oversight mandate with “renewed firmness, zero tolerance for inefficiency, and uncompromising accountability.” “The era of business-as-usual is…
The Federal Government has said improving nutrition is central to human capital development and poverty reduction under the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the current administration. Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja at the opening of the 2025 National Micronutrient Conference. The theme of the conference is “Strengthening Resilient Systems for Addressing Micronutrient Deficiencies in Nigeria.” Salako noted that micronutrient deficiencies—often described as “hidden hunger”—remain a major barrier to Nigeria’s development, particularly among children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups. “Poor nutrition contributes to stunted growth, weak immunity, impaired…
The Association of Scrap and Waste Pickers of Lagos (ASWOL) on Thursday held a Train-the-Trainer programme on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) to promote safety among waste pickers in Lagos State. Speaking during the training, ASWOL President Mr. Friday Oku said the programme is designed to equip members with knowledge of health risks associated with waste picking and measures to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses. “Waste pickers are constantly exposed to hazardous materials and harmful chemicals, making safety education and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) essential,” Oku said. He added: “We are conducting this train-the-trainer programme to help…
The Abia State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) on Thursday inaugurated Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) for all 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to enhance disaster preparedness and response. Speaking at the event in Umuahia, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, urged committee members to take their responsibilities seriously while pledging the government’s support. The Executive Secretary of SEMA, Dr. Sunday Jackson, said the committees, chaired by the LGA Mayors, would serve as first responders in their respective areas. He noted that the Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), had directed all states to establish LEMCs…
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Plateau Specialist Hospital, Prof. Christopher Yilgwan, has disclosed that a bill seeking to upgrade the hospital to a teaching hospital has been submitted to the Plateau State House of Assembly. Yilgwan made the announcement on Thursday in Jos during the hospital’s 2025 end-of-year get-together and retirees’ award night. He described the move as a major step toward strengthening medical education, research, and healthcare delivery in Plateau State. According to him, the proposed upgrade would enable the hospital to train medical students and other health professionals while improving specialist services and partnerships. “The upgrade is…
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) on Thursday assured residents of Alimosho Local Government Area of its readiness to respond swiftly to emergencies during the yuletide season. Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, made the assurance during a stakeholders’ engagement on emergency preparedness in the council area. Oke-Osanyintolu said that, following directives from the Chief Incident Commander of Lagos State, Gov. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, all first responders have been placed on red alert to protect lives and property during the festive period. “We want to assure the good people of Lagos State, particularly residents of Alimosho, that we…
The Acting Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Prof. Bob Ukonu, on Thursday emphasized the urgent need to bridge the gap in cancer treatment outcomes in Nigeria. Ukonu made the remarks during the “Mural of Hope: Unveiling Inspiration for Pediatric Cancer Patients” event in Gwagwalada. He was represented by the Acting Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Joseph Obande. The CMD explained that the Mural of Hope was created through a collaboration of foundations, including BIO Ventures for Global Health (BVGH), Medicaid Cancer Foundation (MCF), Nigeria Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF), and Burkitt’s Lymphoma…