Philanthropist Dahiru Mangal has committed more than N87.5 million to sponsor free surgeries for vulnerable patients suffering from hernia and hydrocele across Katsina State. A member of the Mangal Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Mr. Hussaini Kabir, disclosed this on Friday during a screening exercise for patients at the Katsina General Hospital. Kabir said the intervention is carried out quarterly, noting that hundreds of patients have benefited this year alone. “In the first quarter, the foundation supported about 400 patients, spending N28 million. In the second quarter, 500 patients received treatment at a cost of N29.5 million. For this last quarter…
Author: Newsdesk
The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has named the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as one of the top five best-performing Federal Government agencies for 2025 under the Transparency and Efficiency Category. The Head, Public Affairs of the NCC, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja. Ukoha said the NCC was recognized alongside the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), which emerged the overall best-performing agency. Others on the top-five list are the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which came second, the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). “The recognition…
The Chairman, Board of Management, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Dr Ikechukwu Odikpo, has reiterated the need for regular health checks to prevent sudden deaths. Odikpo made the call on Friday while commissioning the Clinical Arm of the Cardiovascular Research Centre and the Pharmacy Mini Production Unit at UATH in Gwagwalada. According to him, cases of sudden death have increased in recent times, with more than half linked to cardiovascular conditions. “When a man suddenly collapses, it is because the body has not been well maintained. We have a problem of not getting proper care, proper follow-up, proper investigation…
Vice President Kashim Shettima has described Gov. Umar Namadi’s agricultural reforms in Jigawa State as globally competitive, commending the governor for achieving significant transformation within just two years. Shettima gave the commendation on Friday in Gumel, Jigawa State, during a visit to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Emir of Gumel on the throne. “It is highly impressive how Gov. Namadi has transformed Jigawa’s agriculture into a modern system in just two years. I must commend the governor and the people of Jigawa for the laudable achievements,” he said. The vice president also congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Muhammadu Sani,…
The Pharmaceutical Wholesalers and Distributors Association of Nigeria (PWDAN) has called for urgent enforcement of the National Drug Distribution Guideline and stronger regulatory collaboration to curb the circulation of falsified and substandard medicines in the country. Speaking at a PWDAN press conference marking Fight the Fakes Week 2025 in Lagos on Friday, the National Chairman of PWDAN, Mr. Ogheneochuko Omaruaye, said the solution to Nigeria’s drug quality crisis lies in a structured supply chain backed by government enforcement and NAFDAC’s track-and-trace system. Omaruaye urged Nigerians to take responsibility by ensuring that every medicine purchased comes directly from registered pharmacies and…
President Bola Tinubu has announced the constitution of the boards of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). The development was confirmed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday. Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, who was appointed in July, continues as chair of the UBEC board. Other members represent Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, and the board members will serve for an initial term of four years. The statement said, “Uchendu Ikechi Mbaegbulem has been appointed to represent the South East, while Gift…
The National Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has partnered with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) to strengthen regional integration, expand cross-border agricultural trade, and open new opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across West Africa. Speaking at the launch of NACCIMA’s activities under the ECOWAS Agricultural Trade (EAT) Programme, themed “Strengthening ECOWAS Agricultural Market to Drive Food Security and Regional Prosperity,” NACCIMA President Jani Ibrahim emphasized agriculture’s vital role in Nigeria’s economy. He noted that the sector contributed 24.64% to GDP in Q4 2024, with early 2025 estimates placing its share at about…
In a nationwide initiative that coincides with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has extended a lifeline of financial support to 9,500 persons with disabilities (PWDs) across the country, allocating N200,000 each to boost their business ventures. According to a statement issued by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the launch took place at the Mambilla Barracks in Abuja, where 250 physically challenged veterans from the military and police received their grants. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, she stressed the vital role of inclusion in national progress. “Our nation grows stronger when every individual…
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for stronger government and community support as Anambra intensifies preparations for a major Measles–Rubella vaccination campaign. A WHO delegation, led by Dr Winifred Onodu, Technical Consultant for Measles and Rubella, made the appeal during a visit to the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, in Awka on Friday. Onodu expressed concern over the rising burden of measles and rubella in Nigeria, noting that the country accounted for nearly half of all reported cases in Africa. She emphasised that large-scale vaccination remained the most effective defense against outbreaks. “Without strong community participation, children will…
The Global South Research Centre, a think-tank at Soochow University in China, in collaboration with Nigerian partners, has inaugurated Nigerian Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skills Cooperation Alliance (NAISCA) to train students and youths on AI skills. Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja on Friday, the Coordinator of the programme, Mr Wenkang Lyu, said that the partnership, which is with several Nigerian universities and youth organisations, would provide AI skill training for students and youths, while promoting sustainable development in the Global South countries. Lyu, a researcher at Soochow University Think Tank, further stated that the project would introduce AI technology and accumulate…