Friday 28 July 2017

WHO Charges Countries to Turn Commitment into Action against Hepatitis

…Summit to hold in November in Brazil
Rebecca Ejifoma

New World Health Organisation (WHO) data from 28 countries – representing approximately 70% of the global hepatitis burden – indicate that efforts to eliminate hepatitis are gaining momentum.

Published to coincide with World Hepatitis Day 2017, the data reveal that nearly all 28 countries have established high-level national hepatitis elimination committees (with plans and targets in place) and more than half have allocated dedicated funding for hepatitis responses.

On World Hepatitis Day, WHO is calling on countries to continue to translate their commitments into increased services to eliminate hepatitis. This week, WHO has also added a new generic treatment to its list of WHO-prequalified hepatitis C medicines to increase access to therapy, and is promoting prevention through injection safety: a key factor in reducing hepatitis B and C transmission.

From commitment to Action
"It is encouraging to see countries turning commitment into action to tackle hepatitis." WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said.
"Identifying interventions that have a high impact is a key step towards eliminating this devastating disease. Many countries have succeeded in scaling-up the hepatitis B vaccination. Now we need to push harder to increase access to diagnosis and treatment."

This year's theme, "Eliminate Hepatitis" is to mobilise intensified action towards the health targets in the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. In 2016, the World Health Assembly endorsed WHO’s first global health sectors strategy on viral hepatitis to help countries scale up their responses.


However, the new WHO data show that more than 86% of countries reviewed have set national hepatitis elimination targets and more than 70% have begun to develop national hepatitis plans to enable access to effective prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care services. Furthermore, nearly half of the countries surveyed are aiming for elimination through providing universal access to hepatitis treatment. But WHO is concerned that progress needs to speed up.

Wednesday 26 July 2017

Healthymagination Addresses Maternal, Child Health in Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa

Rebecca Ejifoma

GE And Santa Clara University’s Miller Centre for Social Entrepreneurship has launched the second cohort of healthymagination Mother and Child Programme that will receive training and mentorship aimed at improving and accelerating maternal and child health outcomes in Africa.

The programme, by GE and Santa Clara University’s Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship, aims to continue to accelerate health innovations in Sub-Saharan Africa.

According to the Executive Director of healthmagination, Robert Wells, solving local health challenges calls for locally-adapted interventions and innovations, and Social Entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa are playing a major role in this regard.

“The healthymagination Mother and Child programme will continue to provide them with mentorship and in-depth training, accelerating health innovation and furthering our goal to increase the quality, access and affordability of maternal and child health,” he said.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship, Thane Kreina expressed that GE’s mission to work on better health for more people is evidenced by their continuing partnership to help social enterprises scale their impact.
Continuing, he affirmed that this cohort’s impact aligned with the target indicators for United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #3. “Miller Center is honored such amazing social enterprises applied to this Mother & Child accelerator programme.”

Tuesday 25 July 2017

APO Calls for Entry from Journalists to Win invitation

Rebecca Ejifoma
APO Group has announced the launch of its prize draw for journalists to win an invitation to the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) 2017 to hold in Rwanda from October 10 to 12.

The prize draw reflects the company’s DNA and commitment to supporting journalism in Africa by responding to one of the biggest challenges local professionals face: resources constraints and limited networking opportunities. The winner will fly to Kigali, Rwanda, to participate in the prestigious hotel investment conference, on October 10 to 12 this year.

To win the invitation to the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), click on: http://APO.af/RheaYK

Every year since 2011, the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) gathers top-tier international hotel investors, key industry players, Governments as well as National representatives at a single place. A unique moment for meeting counterparts and gaining an overview of the various perspectives on Hospitality and Aviation trends and how they will impact and shape the African industry in the future. For three days, participants are given the opportunity to attend exclusive conferences conducted by key influencers and benefit from their respective expertise.

How to Apply:

African Fruit Producers, Exporters Create AFRUIBANA in Defence of their Interests

Rebecca Ejifoma

As efforts to defend the interest of African fruit farming, fruit producers and exporters from Cameroon, the Ivory Coast and Ghana has officially launched the first Pan-Atlantic Association – Afruibana – allow fruit producers on the continent to combine their efforts with a view to having their voices heard better in international trade.

This was officially launched in Brussels Belgium during a visit by Cameroon Trade Minister, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, to European institutions on Wednesday, 19 July where representative of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) during the various Councils of Ministers addressed the banana industry.

According to Chairman of AFRUIBANA, Joseph Kono, African bananas, for historical and geographical reasons in the Ivory Coast and Cameroon, the agricultural sector makes up approximately 60% of the economy in these two countries.

“Farming is, thus, one of the main sources of jobs and income for most of the rural population. For this reason, AFRUIBANA has an essential role in reinforcing our ties with European agencies, favouring trade between Africa and Europe, promoting socioeconomic development and contributing in the fight against migration,” he expressed.

UNICEF Lauds Kuwait for $2m Support to Yemen’s Children

As the humanitarian crisis in Yemen deepens and with no end in sight, the United Nations children’s Fund (UNICEF) welcomes the latest contribution of over US$2 million from the State of Kuwait to support children affected by the acute watery diarrhoea /cholera outbreak.

UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Geert Cappelaere, in a press release issued today, said that Kuwait had been one of the largest donors to UNICEF’s work in the region. “Since 2013, Kuwait contributed nearly US$150 million allowing us to provide lifesaving assistance to children impacted by the multiple conflicts including in Iraq and Syria.”

This recent funding will be used to expand the delivery of integrated life-saving assistance through simultaneous acute watery diarrhoea and cholera treatment; water, sanitation, hygiene and nutrition support to the children of Yemen and the dissemination of information on preventative behaviour for the population at large.

Meanwhile, UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere

Have You Washed Your Hands?

…Washing of hands combat germs, diseases

Rebecca Ejifoma
Regular hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds or more remains a factor capable of combating infectious diseases and germs like bacteria and viruses that can be transmitted through contaminated hands. And the most vulnerable people worldwide, according to experts, are children, the elderly and those whose immune system are weak.

Medical Officer of Health Centre Ikota, Dr. Oladapo Ashiyanbi, encourages pupils in Lagos to wash their hands eight times every day with water and soap, adding, “You should wash your hands with soap and water eight times daily. Don’t buy roadside foods that are not covered. It is exposed to germs. Don’t pick food from the floor.”

Now, when the virulent Ebola first landed in Lagos through the Liberian Patrick Sawyer from Monrovia on 20 July 2014 and claimed several lives including that of heroine Dr. Stella Adadevoh, hand sanitizers became the most sought commodity in the country. Nigerians were so terrified that they adopted new lifestyles like washing of hands often and using of hand sanitisers.

Indeed, Ebola shook Nigeria like a time bomb in war. Nigerians feared to shake hands colleagues, friends, partners in offices and schools. Hugging became scarce even among lovers. Passengers preferred motorcycles to commercial buses for fear of being sandwiched and contract Ebola through carrier's body fluids like sweat. And brothels became void of clients for fear of transmission through semen. So, said experts.

Interestingly, companies included hand washing exercise in their curricular. From the entrance of each company especially hotels, security guards were standby to instruct guests and staffers to use their washing sink and hand sanitiser dispensers attached to the walls before going in.

Monday 24 July 2017

WHO Report Finds Dramatic Increase in Life-saving Tobacco Control Policies in Last Decade

…4.7 billion people – 63% of world’s population – are covered by polices such as strong graphic warnings, smoke-free public places, and other measures


Tobacco remains the leading single preventable cause of death worldwide, killing over seven million people each year. Its economic costs are also enormous, totaling more than US$ 1.4 trillion in health care costs and lost productivity. Hence, World Health Organisation (WHO) calls countries to clamp down on the illicit tobacco trade and epidemic which is creating health and socioeconomic consequences.


According to the latest World Health Organisation (WHO) report on the global tobacco epidemic published today finds that more countries have implemented tobacco control policies, ranging from graphic pack warnings and advertising bans to no smoking areas.

 About 4.7 billion people – 63% of the world’s population – are covered by at least one comprehensive tobacco control measure, which has quadrupled since 2007 when only 1 billion people and 15% of the world’s population were covered. Strategies to implement such policies have saved millions of people from early death.

However, the tobacco industry continues to hamper government efforts to fully implement life- and cost-saving interventions, according to the new WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2017.

In the words of the WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, "Governments around the world must waste no time in incorporating all the provisions of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control into their national tobacco control programmes and policies. They must also clamp down on the illicit tobacco trade, which is exacerbating the global tobacco epidemic and its related health and socioeconomic consequences.”

WHO Urges Action against HIV Drug Resistance Threat


...Calls on the global community for continued vigilance and responsiveness
Rebecca Ejifoma

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has alerted countries to the increasing trend of resistance to HIV drugs detailed in a report based on national surveys conducted in several countries.

The Organisation warns that this growing threat could undermine global progress in treating and preventing HIV infection if early and effective action is not taken.

According to the WHO HIV drug resistance report 2017 in six of the 11 countries surveyed in Africa, Asia and Latin America, over 10% of people starting antiretroviral therapy had a strain of HIV that was resistant to some of the most widely used HIV medicines. Once the threshold of 10% has been reached, WHO recommends those countries to urgently review their HIV treatment programmes.

HIV drug resistance report 2017
“Antimicrobial drug resistance is a growing challenge to global health and sustainable development,” WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said. “We need to proactively address the rising levels of resistance to HIV drugs if we are to achieve the global target of ending AIDS by 2030.”

He explained that HIV drug resistance develops when people do not adhere to a prescribed treatment plan, often because they do not have consistent access to quality HIV treatment and care.

The DG added that individuals with HIV drug resistance would start to fail therapy and “may also transmit drug-resistant viruses to others. The level of HIV in their blood will increase, unless they change to a different treatment regimen, which could be more expensive – and, in many countries, still harder to obtain”.

The report also shows that of the 36.7 million people living with HIV worldwide, 19.5 million people were accessing antiretroviral therapy last year. Ghebreyesus disclosed that the majority of these people were doing well, with treatment proving highly effective in suppressing the HIV virus but lamented that a growing number are experiencing the consequences of drug resistance.

WHO is, therefore, issuing new guidelines to help countries address HIV drug resistance. These recommend that countries monitor the quality of their treatment programmes and take action as soon as treatment failure is detected.

Friday 21 July 2017

Ogundare: Private Firms Should Invest in Health, Motivate Doctors


With the current state of the Nigerian healthcare service and delivery, a Dental Surgeon and CEO Newcross Petroleum Limited, Dr. Bolaji Ogundare in this interview with Rebecca Ejifoma, called on the private sector to invest in the health sector among other issues
 
Where is the Nigerian health system heading to?
The state of healthcare is not going in the right direction. We should be encouraging doctors and teachers so they can start doing things differently in the future. We have to stop doing things the way we were doing them in the past because if we continue that way, we are going to go the wrong direction.
At the recent lecture I had at the 11th Dental Science College of Medicine, University of Lagos, we motivated people to look differently at what we need to do to build back the state of healthcare.
There is a missing link between health professionals and their practice. Nigerians, even her leaders, go abroad for medical attention. How can we balance this?
I think one of the things that has to happen is for us to reinvest in our health institutions. Many people have money but they are not spending it on their health. We are busy building mansions and other things. But when we fall sick, we expect these doctors who have not really been invested in to treat us.
We need to encourage doctors to be motivated to do their job. When you see a situation where a doctor, who has gone to school for 12 years is now earning 500 naira per hour and you expect them to be motivated. They can’t be.
We need to reinvest in our healthcare. This will motivate people to do their jobs, especially those we rely on for our healthcare.

How can dental services in Nigeria be enhanced?

Maerk Foundation Promotes Training for Infertile Women, Fellowship for Oncologists

Forging ahead with plans to build healthcare capacity, improve access to cancer care and advance people’s lives through science and technology, the Merck Foundation has partnered African countries to provide oncology fellowship, provide practical training for fertility specialists and empower infertile women.

This was disclosed at the 19th General Assembly of the Organisation of First Ladies of Africa (OAFLA) held at the African Union in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.

The Foundation trong partnership with African countries, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej, affirmed Merck’s long term partnership with African countries to provide oncology fellowship programmes, provide practical training for fertility specialists and to empower infertile women through access to information, health and change of mind-set through “Merck Cancer Access Program” and “Merck More than a Mother” campaign.








Thursday 20 July 2017

NDLEA Confiscates 24,304 Drugs in Abuja


As part of efforts to rid FCT, Abuja of illicit drugs, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 24,304 kilogramme of assorted forfeited narcotic drugs seized within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja this week.

Tuesday 18 July 2017

WHO Estimates Cost of Reaching Global Health Targets by 2030

Could prevent 97 million premature deaths


The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Health Price Tag, published today in The Lancet Global Health, estimates the costs and benefits of progressively expanding health services in order to reach 16 SDG health targets in 67 low- and middle-income countries that account for 75% of the world’s population.

Murray Bruce Mourns Africa on Food Importation

...Africa Imports 80% of her food from Europe, America, Asia


Nigeria’s business magnate and politician and founder of Silverbird Group, Ben Murray-Bruce, MON has expressed sadness over Africa's large amount of importation as shared on his twitter handle today.

“…Very sad that Africa, a continent that verifiably has the most fertile soils on earth, imports 80% of her food from Europe, America & Asia!”

Access Bank Group Partners UNICEF Initiative - 10 Years Commitment to Africa

...Polo Day at Guards aimed at raising further awareness and funds for further development initiatives


Access Bank Group, along with 5th Chukker, The Access Bank UK and Access Private Bank hosted the 10th annual ‘Access Bank Polo Day’ at the Guards Polo Club, Windsor.

The annual event is part of its continued support of United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and the climax to the high-profile Access Bank/UNICEF Charity Shield Polo tournament, celebrating a decade of commitment to UNICEF projects and aimed at reaching out to and highlighting the plight of vulnerable children and orphans and internationally displaced persons.

1 in 10 Infants Did not Receive Vaccination

10 million additional infants need to be vaccinated in 64 countries 

Worldwide, 12.9 million infants, nearly 1 in 10, did not receive any vaccinations last year, according to the most recent WHO and UNICEF immunisation estimates. This means, critically, that these infants missed the first dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP)-containing vaccine, putting them at serious risk of these potentially fatal diseases.

Friday 14 July 2017

Senate Orders Hospitals to Treat Gunshot Victims without Demanding Police Report, Financial Deposit

The senate has passed a bill that compels hospitals across the country to treat gunshot victims without demanding police report or financial deposit. The bill titled, “Compulsory Treatment and Care of Victims of Gunshots” was passed during the senate’s Tuesday’s plenary session.

UNFPA, Philips Take Primary Care to 40,000 Kenyan Women against Maternal Deaths

Rebecca Ejifoma
Determined to improve access to quality primary healthcare and decrease maternal and infant mortality rates, the Philips Community Life Centre in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has taken quality primary care to a community of 40,000 people in one of the world’s most challenging regions: Mandera County in Kenya.

Minister of Health: Nigeria is Heading for a Disaster

Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has said that the country is headed for a ‘demographic disaster’ if it doesn’t adopt a more aggressive policy to contraceptive usage. Adewole spoke as a panelist at the 2017 Family Planning summit, London which was live streamed across several platforms.

Thursday 13 July 2017

U.S. Special Envoy Holds Roundtable with Religious’ Leaders Fighting Corruption

Rebecca Ejifoma

Acting United States Special Representative for Religion and Global Affairs, Amy Lillis, held a round-table discussion on Thursday with members of the Religious Leaders Anti-Corruption (RLAC) working group on the way forward.


2Face, Other Stars to Perform at Eargasm Special IDP Charity Edition

Rebecca Ejifoma

Buckwyld Media, through its association with The 2Face Foundation, brings the critically-praised “Eargasm” to Abuja for the second time through its special IDP charity edition scheduled for July 22 at The Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, promises to deliver an evening of mind-blowing entertainment and pleasant surprises.

US Consulate Celebrates Nigerian Indigent Students, Grant them Full Scholarships

Rebecca Ejifoma

US Consulate General, John F. Bray
The Public Affairs Section of the United States Consulate General Lagos is set to hold its 2017 Pre-Departure Orientation Programme for Nigerian students departing to attend various U.S. universities this fall on Tuesday, July 18 this year at the Multi-Purpose Room, U.S. Consulate General, 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos at 9am.

Interestingly, this year, eight indigent but brilliant Nigerian students, who received financial aid through the EducationUSA Opportunity Fund, were granted full scholarships totaling $356, 450 by various U.S. universities.

Ten Million Boys Stand against Female Abuse

Rebecca Ejifoma

With a daily report on female domestic abuse both physically and emotionally, various non-governmental organisations have taken turns to attend, sensitise and empower the girl child and women across the country.

But to make a u-turn alongside a paradigm shift in quenching this fume, Morna International Children's Foundation gathered male pupils and students of about seven elementary and secondary schools at Hogas International Schools, at Ojodu area of Lagos recently.

Wednesday 12 July 2017

US Mission, Religious Leaders Charge Public to Expose Corruption, Laud Champions in Nigeria

Rebecca Ejifoma


The United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria in collaboration with BudgIT, a local NGO alongside Religious Leaders Anti-Corruption (RLAC) working group and Nigerian law enforcement agencies, today launched Report Yourself, a web-based platform that leverages citizen engagement to fight corruption in Nigeria dand report police misconduct.

This anti-corruption initiative is funded by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, and was developed by BudgIT. And the public is to file complaints on www.report yourself.org.

NGO Takes Sex Education to Schools' Curriculum

Rebecca Ejifoma
Non-governmental Organisation, Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), has noted that injecting sex education into schools’ curriculum could stem the alarming rate of sexual abuse and rape in the country starting with Lagos state.

The Founder, Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru told newsmen at the inauguration of the foundation’s Educational School Programme (WESP) Initiative in two phases at its Yaba office in Lagos recently.

Apapa Community Rejects APC Chairmanship Candidate

Rebecca Ejifoma

Apapa Local Government community members of Wards A, B, C and D have expressed displeasure over the choice of Mr. Elijah Owolabi as the Chairmanship Candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Apapa Local Government, saying Owolabi would be the 8th candidate in the last 10 years that Ward E led consecutively. 

Family Planning: ‘Get It Together’ Radio Show Air in Kaduna, Lagos, Oyo

Rebecca Ejifoma


Determined to reduce maternal deaths and enlighten families on how to live healthy and stress-free lives through various family planning methods, Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative 2 (NURHI 2) is set to bring ‘Get It Together' Radio programmes Se’rigbo in Lagos, Ireti Eda in Oyo, and Komai Nisan Jifa in Kaduna to re-air 26 episodes of its weekly radio talk from July 15 this year.

IoD Calls Professionals to Practice Ethics

Mr. Omoru (middle) flanked by the President IoD (right) and the Second Vice President during the presentation of certificate of membership in Lagos...
Rebecca Ejifoma
The Institute of Directors Nigeria (IoD) has called on all professionals in the country to practice what they preach having sworn oaths and codes of ethics in order to close the yawning gap between declaration and real practice. 

Antibiotic-Resistant Gonorrhoea on the Rise, New Drugs Needed


Data from 77 countries show that antibiotic resistance is making gonorrhoea – a common sexually-transmitted infection – much harder, and sometimes impossible, to treat.

"The bacteria that cause gonorrhoea are particularly smart. Every time we use a new class of antibiotics to treat the infection, the bacteria evolve to resist them," said Dr Teodora Wi, Medical Officer, Human Reproduction at WHO.

WHO reports widespread resistance to older and cheaper antibiotics. Some countries – particularly high-income ones, where surveillance is best – are finding cases of the infection that are untreatable by all known antibiotics.

Tuesday 11 July 2017

Edo State Holds First EXCO Meeting Under Obaseki

-Assigns portfolios to commissioners

The recently appointed commissioners to serve in the administration of Mr. Godwin Obaseki of Edo State have been assigned to various ministries in the state.

At the first Executive Council meeting (EXCO) held by the Obaseki-led Edo government, after a two-day retreat to bring the appointees up to speed with the administration, the commissioners were formally told the ministries under which they will serve.

Mambilla: A killing too many


The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed worries over the alarming level of insecurity of lives and property in the country which are clear signs of danger to Nigeria’s democracy and to National Security.

NUaj said it was particularly shocked by the killings of citizens, livestock and destruction of property allegedly by the Mambilla Sectarian Militia on the Mambilla Plateau of Sardauna Local Government of Taraba State from 17th to 23rd of June this year.

Etisalat Pulls Out: Nigeria Continues Negotiation


ABU Dhabi’s Etisalat, a network provider in Nigeria, has terminated its management agreement with its Nigerian arm and given the business time to phase out the brand in Nigeria, the Chief Executive of Etisalat International told Reuters on Monday.

Although Nigerian regulators intervened last week to save Etisalat Nigeria from collapse after talks with its lenders to renegotiate a $1.2 billion loan, it was futile.

Ebonyi Association Charges Leaders on Financial Knowledge

Rebecca Ejifoma

Ebonyi State Development Association (ESDV) has urged Nigerians and her leaders to acquire financial knowledge to enable them manage the nation well in this economic dispensation.

This was according to the Association’s President, Mr. Paul Ikele, at the seminar in Lagos organised for the entire Ebonyi indigenes in Lagos state. “We have a very sound economic system but we have leadership problem. We need to know to activate those economic facilities we have to begin to yield profits for livelihood of Nigerians.”

Supreme Court Upholds Right of Girl Child to Inherit Properties in Igboland


The Supreme Court has voided the Igbo law and custom, which forbids a female from inheriting her late father’s estate, on the grounds that it is discriminatory and conflicts with the provision of the constitution.

The court held that the practice conflicted with section 42(1)(a) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution. The judgment was on the appeal marked: SC.224/2004 filed by Mrs. Lois Chituru Ukeje  (wife of the late Lazarus Ogbonna Ukeje) and their son, Enyinnaya Lazarus Ukeje against Mrs. Cladys Ada Ukeje (the deceased’s daughter).

Ogun Opens Bid for Construction of Rural Roads

The Ogun State Government will open bid for the construction of 171 rural and 25 semi-urban roads across the State from Tuesday, July 11 to Friday, July 14 this year at Obas Complex, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Oke-mosan, Abeokuta by 10 am.

A statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Mr. Gbele Olugbebi,  has it that over 350 contractors had bided for the projects, explaining that bid opening for the semi-urban roads would hold on Tuesday, July 11, 2017.

NGO Caters for Children Living with Cancer

Rebecca Ejifoma
Children Living with Cancer Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, is set to carry on with its quest for children living with cancer in Nigeria on July 21st this year at The Little Theatre Hall of Lagos Country Club, Joel Ogunaike Street, Ikeja GRA, at 11am.

The event, which will run on the theme, ‘Passion for Life', Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside will lead other discussants at the forum which will be chaired by Erelu Abiola Dosunmu alongside other ndividuals and representatives of organisations with very resounding corporate social responsibility records.

7 Practices to Lose Weight and Stay Healthy, Lepacious Bose Shares Experience

Lepacious Bose: Before
If you are having problems losing weight then this article is for you. Being overweight or obese can have very serious health consequences and reduce your lifespan by more than seven years. 
 
Most adults between the age of 30 and above notice an increase in weight as they grow older and in some cases older people lose muscle and gain fat even while your overall weight remains constant.

Planning Ones Family Combats Poverty

…Funds in Lagos State remains static since 2013
Rebecca Ejifoma 

Experts have analysed and concluded that for Nigeria to attain Sustainable Development Goal 1 – ending poverty by 2030 – her citizens needed to embrace one use of Family Planning method or the other to avoid spending over budget or begging for a living.

Dentists Call Private Firms to Invest in Dentistry, Doctors

Rebecca Ejifoma 
Foremost Dental Surgeon and CEO of Newcross Petroleum Limited, Dr. Bolaji Ogundare, has said for there to be a paradigm shift in the health sector in the country, private investors and the public must reinvest in the doctors and health teachers as Nigerians rely on them for healthcare services.

NOUN VC Becomes Isoko Chief, Inaugurates Oworhede Study Centre

Rebecca Ejifoma

The Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu, in the weekend became the newest chief in the Emevor Traditional Council, Delta State, following his conferment with a traditional chieftaincy title and installation as the Uruakpor of Emevor Kingdom by the Odion of Emevor, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Francis Onovughakpor Ekama.

Monday 10 July 2017

U.S. Pledges Support for Digital Transformation of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry


Rebecca Ejifoma

The Foreign Commercial Service of the United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria, in collaboration with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Nigeria and its leading local partner, Manifold Computers, have introduced an innovative technology  Synergy and Arubafor used in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

Synergy and Aruba helps companies operating in the Nigerian oil and gas industry to increase the efficiency of operations, monitor people, manage resources, make real-time decisions, reduce risks, save costs, and increase flexibility, productivity and company bottom line.

Queen Elizabeth Recognises Nigerian Born-British Lawyer

Nigerians both home and in the Diaspora - have expressed joy after Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II in her 91st birthday recognised British/Nigerian lawyer, diversity leader and mother, Funke Abimbola (nee Akindolie) in her honours list for this year.

The Nigerian-born Abimbola has been awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire (M.B.E) for services to diversity in the legal profession and to young people, her outstanding long-term, significant impact to the legal community and to the next generation, serving as an example to others. 

U.S. Charge D'Affaires Launches New Anti-Corruption Platform- "Report Yourself"

Rebecca Ejifoma

The Public Affairs Section of the United States Consulate General, Lagos is set to launch Report Yourself, a web-based platform leveraging citizen engagement to fight corruption in Nigeria on Wednesday July 12 at the Renaissance Lagos Ikeja Hotel, Ikeja at 9:30am.

Lagos Marines Beats Riviera Golden Eagles in Cote D'Ivoire


Rebecca Ejifoma 


The International American football is gradually making a name for itself in Nigeria and dribbling its way into other African countries since ist arrival in 2013. This is as the Lagos Marines stormed Cote D'Ivoire and defeated the Riviera Gold Golden Eagles of Abidjan Felix Houphouet Boigny University Sport Field on June 18 this year.

The Marines had beaten its opponent 13 goals to 12; thereby, claiming victory. According to the Headcoach, Mr. Dominik Mueller, who led the team, it is the first international contest between two clubsides in West Africs. "The turn out was very encouraging. Although the American football is still coming up in Africa, we believe that with time, the sport will be popular here.“

Alabama Health Authority Warns of Fesh-Eating Bacteria in Local Waters


Health Authorities in the U.S. state of Alabama, on Monday July 10, issued a warning reminding local residents of a flesh-eating bacteria found in bodies of water throughout the state.

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) said in a press release that the bacteria, known as Vibrio, was found mostly in brackish and warm salt water such as bay or gulf waters.

The department cautioned that people with open wounds should avoid direct contact with the water, and that people in general should not eat contaminated, raw or under-cooked seafood.

Stakeholders Call for Increased Budget for Family Planning

Rebecca Ejifoma 

As a strategy to control and avert the implication of rapid population growth in order to achieve sustainable development goals, stakeholders have called for increased budgetary allocation for family planning as Nigeria joins the rest of the work to mark 2017 World Population Day (WPD).  

Speaking on the 2017 WPD theme, Family Planning, Birth Spacing: Empowering People, Developing Nations, in a recent release by National Population Commission (NPC), its Chairman, Mr. Eze Duruiheoma, stated that family planning and birth spacing are measures to attain a sustainable family size by way of allowing for adequate intervals between births, employing especially the use of contraception. 

Tuesday 4 July 2017

Renowned Dentists Meet at UNILAG for Improved Health Services

Rebecca Ejifoma

Foremost Dental Surgeon, Dr. Bolaji Ogundare is billed to lead other experts and discussants to the Annual Faculty Conference and maiden edition of the Alumni Guest Lecture of the Faculty of Dental Sciences from July 4 to 6 at the Old Great Hall, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos. 

The lecture series aim to rally eminent researchers, healthcare companies and other medical stakeholders, and provoke discussions on strategic role of health education, particularly the pivotal roles of funding, innovation and research as the panacea to plugging gaps in the present day health services delivery,” he said.

Cway Promotes Nutrition, Celebrates Customers in Nigeria

Rebecca Ejifoma
The management of Cway Food and Beverages Nigeria Company Limited, has said the company was committed to increasing Nigerians' healthy lifestyle through its products as it celebrates its 10th year anniversary of one of its products.

The company's Deputy Director, Mr. Tony Ojumoola, said this at a briefing to announce the 10th year celebration of one of its products - Nutri-milk, which will hold att he Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos on July 14th.

“Cway is known for quality products that have a great trend of loyal consumers across Nigeria. Nutri-milk has stood the test of time and developed good relationship between the company and its business partners, and has attracted profit and growth to the entire company,” he added.