Self Help Africa (SHA) on Thursday called for stronger Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) systems in Nigeria, stressing that sustainable progress depends on coordinated action, accountability, and innovative approaches. Mrs Joy Aderele, Country Director of the organisation, made the call in Abuja at the opening of the 2025 National WASH Sector Learning Forum, themed Change Mechanism and Measuring Change. Aderele said the forum reflected a collective resolve to rethink and strengthen structures needed to deliver resilient and inclusive WASH services across the country. “True change happens when people come together with shared purpose, commitment, and a willingness to change old ways…
Author: Honesty Victor
The European health sector is not reacting adequately to violence directed at women and girls in the region, according to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report published on Thursday. The report covers women and girls from the age of 15 who have been attacked physically or sexually by partners or former partners, along with victims of violence by perpetrators they did not have a relationship with. “Violence against women and girls remains a pervasive public health emergency in the WHO European Region, affecting nearly one in three women over their lifetime,” the report says. The report reveals “critical gaps in…
The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), the flagship project of First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has distributed 10,000 free customised disposable sanitary pads to schoolgirls across Niger State. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the distribution took place on Thursday at Aliyu Muazu Memorial Primary School, Minna, as part of efforts to promote menstrual hygiene and reduce absenteeism among female students. The intervention forms part of the national rollout of the “Flow with Confidence” programme, which aims to donate 370,000 sanitary pads to schoolgirls across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Represented by Hajiya Fatima Bago, Wife…
Nigeria’s health sector has recorded a notable progress over the past two years, but more investments are needed to achieve the Universal Health Coverage, Prof. Ali Pate, Minister of Health, said on Thursday. Pate, while addressing the 66th National Council on Health (NCH), in Calabar, Cross River, recalled that in Ekiti in 2023, the council adopted far-reaching reforms targeting governance, human resources, primary health care, digital technology, health insurance, hospital infrastructure, and supply chains. The minister said these reforms aimed to improve health outcomes and strengthen Nigeria’s health security. “Since then, we have held quarterly performance reviews and annual joint reviews. “The…
Cross River has been spotlighted as a leading force in health reforms as it hosted the 66th Regular Session of the National Council of Health (NCH) for the first time. The high-level meeting brought together federal and state health officials, policymakers, development partners, medical practitioners, members of the diplomatic corps, service commanders, royal fathers, and the press. Gov. Bassey Otu, welcomed delegates on Thursday while addressing the 66th National Council on Health (NCH), in Calabar. Otu, represented by his Deputy, Peter Odey, highlighted the state’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing the crucial role of the NCH in advancing Universal…
The Kaduna State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has called for a stronger protection, education and welfare system for children across the state. The ministry, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), made the call on Thursday as it marked the 2025 World Children’s Day in Kaduna. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event has the theme, “My Day, My Rights.” It formed part of UNICEF’s Global Day of Action, commemorating the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Speaking, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya…
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu is set to inaugurate 233 new housing units on Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate, Ajah on the Lekki-Epe Expressway. The state Commissioner for Housing, Mr Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, gave the assurance in a statement on Thursday. The statement was signed by the Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Mr Ganiu Lawal. The commissioner said that the housing units, to be inaugurated on Friday, would be expected to boost housing stock for the growing number of Lagos residents seeking decent accommodation. According to the official, the project consists of 34 blocks containing a total of…
CropLife Africa and the Middle East focuses on developing crop protection products that boost productivity while safeguarding farmers’ health and the environment. Speaking at the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists Congress 2025 held in Nairobi, Kenya, in mid-October, Margaux Rundstadler, director of public affairs and communication at CropLife Africa and the Middle East, said the company represents a network of 23 national associations spread across the region. She added that the regional association represents the leading global manufacturers of crop protection products, seed, and biotechnology products. In her address, Rundstadler noted that Africa holds 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable…
At the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists Congress 2025, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 15 to 18 October, one of the panel discussions focused on how quality seed can uplift farmers and societies in East Africa. In her opening remarks, panel moderator Airah Cadiogan, communications manager at the International Seed Federation (ISF), outlined how counterfeit seeds and fertilisers are proliferating, threatening the agriculture sector’s growth and farmers’ long-term sustainability. She explained that in recent years, there has been an increase in illegal seed practices that include the selling of counterfeit seeds. According to a study by the Alliance for a Green…
Niger Government has called for stronger global commitment and coordinated action to address the escalating climate challenges threatening economies and communities across the world. Mr Yakubu Garba, the Deputy Governor of Niger, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday. Garba stated that climate action in Niger is not only a local necessity but also a critical contribution to Africa’s global climate commitments. “Investing in Niger means investing in the resilience of over six million people, in food security, and in the protection of critical ecosystems that sustain Nigeria’s environmental balance,” Garba said. He…