April 25, 2023

2023 Hajj: FCT begins medical screening for intending pilgrims on May 5

The FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board says it will commence medical screening for the 2023 Hajj intending pilgrims from May 5 to May 7.

The Director of the Board, Malam Abubakar Evuti, announced this in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the board, Malam Muhammad Aliyu, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Evuti also disclosed that the inoculation exercise for all the intending pilgrims would be conducted from May 15 to May 17, 2023, in line with the procedure for the trip to Saudi Arabia.

He advised intending pilgrims to participate in all activities earmarked by the board for proper guidance to get value for their money without any hindrance.

The director however warned all intending pilgrims who are yet to return their completed application forms or submit their International Passports to do so.

This, according to him, will enable the board fast track the process of obtaining their travel documents in good time before the commencement of airlift to Saudi Arabia.

Evuti said that the board would commence the second phase of education and orientation exercise for intending pilgrims on April 29 to April 30.

The director explained that activities have been outlined to actualise the success of the operation and ensure that intending pilgrims are well prepared for the spiritual journey to the holy land of Saudi Arabia.

He sassured that intending pilgrims would get the rudiments of performing Hajj in order to have value for their hard-earned money paid to perform the religious obligation.

Evuti disclosed that intending pilgrims who paid through Abaji, Kwali and Gwagwalada Area Councils as well as those who registered through the Hajj Saving Scheme would be trained on April 29.

“While those who registered through the Headquarters, Bwari, Kuje and Abuja Municipal Area Councils would have their orientation exercise on April 30 at the Permanent Hajj Camp located at Bassan Jiwa, close to the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja.

He said that Islamic scholars and relevant stakeholders have already been mobilised for the exercise scheduled to take place from 8 a.m. on April 30.

He added that the phased orientation exercises would enable the intending pilgrims get enlightened on the Hajj rites as well as guidelines and new policies introduced for this year’s Hajj by the Saudi authorities and National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

April 25, 2023

NNPCL has spent $1bn on AKK gas pipeline project – Kyari

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) says it has so far spent over 1.1 billion dollars on the ongoing construction of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline and Station project from its cash-flow.

The NNPC Limited GCEO, Malam Mele Kyari said this on Monday while touring some of its project sites in Kogi, with newsmen and other stakeholders.

Kyari was accompanied by some top officials of the NNPC Limited and Oilserv Limited, (Pipelines and Facilities), the contractor of the project.

Kyari said the company would continue to fund the massive project which it was delivering in phases and has been active even though it did not have third party finance for the project.

“So far, NNPC Ltd has funded over 1.1billion dollars on the project and to date none of the project activities is abandoned as reported and we reassure all stakeholders that we have a line of sight to project delivery on schedule.

“NNPC Limited remains highly committed towards the delivery of strategic National infrastructure projects through responsive project delivery, active collaboration with government security agencies and communities as well as deployment of technology for delivering the project.

“This is is one of the most massive projects of proportion value to our country for economic growth. It is a must-deliver project and we have continued to fund in spite of not having third party finance support, we will deliver this project.

“We do not owe a dollar to our contractors, there are over 30 sites that are active today in this project, we are very hopeful and optimistic to deliver this project,” he assured.

The GCEO decried the fact that due to insecurity, it had lost some site workers thereby expressed sadness over thier demise and consoled their families whom he said the company shared in their grief.

He said 70 per cent of the welding work had been completed adding that once welding was completed, it could actually flow gas through the pipeline.

He said on completion the pipeline would deliver two billon cubic feet of gas, powering industries, powering power plants and creating gas based industries.

He said the entire welding work would be completed by the third quarter of 2023 then it would actually energise the pipeline.

Kyari further said that the gas pipeline was projected to support power plants with a total of 3,645 Mega Watts, adding that it would soon begin constrution of Abuja- Kaduna power plants in ernest.

Earlier, Mr Steve Nnorom, Project Manager, Oilserv Ltd explained that there were three schematic of the pipeline and station installations which included Brovo, Chalie and Alpha spread segment, that showed progress of the project.

He said they were currently doing full auto welding, completed 73 per cent of its mainland welding works and had done 222 kilo metres remaining 27 kilo metres of welding work to complete.

“We are crossing rivers, railway, existing pipelines. We have other sites where various work activities are ongoing, our target is that concurrently all works will be going on at different spread,” he said

Nnorom, while noting that the project has been active and fully financed said that it has purely 100 per cent Nigerian workers.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

April 25, 2023

Buhari to unveil Nigerian Army’s new regimental colours

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Thursday unveil 81 national and regimental colours for the newly established and operationalised units and retired unit colours of the Nigerian Army.

The Army’s Director of Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said this while briefing newsmen on the Trooping and Presentation of Colours Parade on Tuesday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said the last trooping and presentation of Colours Parade for the army units was conducted in 2007.

He added that new units had been established and operationalised since then in line with the increasing operational commitments of the army as well as provisions of its extant Order of Battle (ORBAT).

He said colours were usually retired after 10 years of service.

According to him, most of the colours in the Nigerian Army have been used in multiple operations in various geopolitical zones of the country as well as foreign countries, hence deserving retirement and the presentation of new ones.

“It is against this backdrop and in line with the traditions, customs and ethics of the Nigerian Army, trooping and presentation of colours parade 2023 will be conducted to retire torn or worn out colours.

“A total of 81 units will, therefore, be participating in the parade; 53 colours will be due for retirement, while 28 will be presented to new units.

“The event is a unique ceremony not only to the units eligible for colours presentation, as many are looking up to this ceremony to witness the height of military discipline and regimentation.

“No doubt the parade will win more admirers for the Nigerian Army as it will provide another opportunity to showcase its reputation for excellent and colourful parades,” he said.

According to him, the special guest of honour and reviewing officer is the Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari.

“The event will also have in attendance members of the National and Executive Council, members of the Diplomatic Corps and Governors of the States benefitting Units.

“Others are Service Chiefs, past Chief of Army Staff, senior military officers both serving and retired, captains of industries as well as other important dignitaries,” he said.

Nwachukwu explained that the national and regimental colours carried by army units during parades and ceremonial activities were important source of identity and pride not only for the units involved but for the army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

He added that the sight of the colours created a feeling of pride in soldiers and ex-soldiers.

He said from ancient history, colours had served as inspiration for heroic acts of self-sacrifice and became the symbol of the fighting spirit of regiments.

He explained that colours also symbolised the campaigns, battle honours and badges granted to the regiment in commemoration of the gallant deeds performed by its members from the time it was raised.

“The association of the colours with heroic deeds of the units emblazoned on them has led to the custom of regarding the colours with veneration,” he added.

Nwachukwu advised motorists to make use of alternative routes and all proximate routes to the Eagle Square from 5.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. on Thursday.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

April 25, 2023

Malaria: Pharma Coy urges free management as part of fuel subsidy palliative

A leading pharmaceutical company, ST.RACHEAL’S Pharma, has called on the incoming administration led by President-elect Bola Tinubu to institute a Free Malaria Management Programme under the proposed fuel subsidy palliative project.

The call comes as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the World Malaria Day on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that World Malaria Day is an occasion to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control.

It was instituted by WHO Member States during the World Health Assembly of 2007

The theme for 2023 World Malaria Day is: “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement”.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) , within this theme, the focus will be on the third “i” – implement- and notably the critical importance of reaching marginalised populations with the tools and strategies that are available today.

ST.RACHEAL’S Pharma produces, distributes, markets and sells ST.RACHEAL’S Brands of Antibiotics including ST.RACHEAL’S Artemether 80mg+Lumefantrine 480mg Tablets 1×6 for the treatment of malaria.

The Chairman of ST.RACHEAL’S Pharma, Akinjide Adeosun, in a press statement, described the suggested malaria management initiative as the least but urgent step the government could take to address the huge burden of malaria in the country.

Citing statistics by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the company said malaria, being the most prevalent disease in the country, deserved a priority attention by the new government using the window of opportunity offered by the proposed fuel subsidy palliative programme.

“While we are supporting cash distribution to indigent Nigerians, initiating a free programme that will offer free malaria management to everyone in all parts of the country will not only impact positively on the people’s health.

“But will also drastically reduce unnecessary death being recorded every year from the disease thereby improving life expectancy in Nigeria.

“According to the 2021 World Malaria Report, Nigeria had the highest number (27 per cent) of global malaria cases and the highest number of deaths (32 per cent) of global malaria deaths.

“The country is also reported to account for 55.2 per cent of malaria cases in West Africa.

“Unfortunately, the nation’s responses so far, have not shown a remarkable progress and the required political will to achieve a malaria-free Nigeria.

“And the goal of reducing its morbidity to less than 10 per cent parasite prevalence and mortality of less than 50 deaths per 1000 as enunciated in the 2021-2025 National Malaria Strategic Plan (NMSP).’’

According to St. Racheal’s Pharma, it is a corporate entity with a mandate to promote good health in Nigeria and the African continent through information, education, manufacture, distribution, marketing and supply of quality pharmaceutical brands.

“ St. Racheal’s Pharma is in resonance with the call by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on countries to build more resilient programmes to address the menace of malaria.

“Considering Nigeria’s huge burden of the disease, the theme for this year’s World Malaria Day `Time to deliver zero malaria, invest, innovate, implement’ cannot be ignored.

“This is why we urge the new government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act swiftly and adopt a more radical approach by instituting and implementing a compulsory FREE malaria management initiative, to achieve the nation’s strategic plan,” the statement said.

The company further urged children and adults to remain alert and take their health more seriously especially in the prevention and management of malaria.

“Please don’t underrate malaria.

“ It remains a killer and a major cause of ill health in our country. Report symptoms to health practitioners, be tested and treated on time to avoid complications and unnecessary deaths,” it further urged.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

April 25, 2023

Explore ICT to boost healthcare delivery-Experts tell govts, private sector

Experts in the health sector have urged government and healthcare providers in the private sector, to take advantage of opportunities presented by technologies to boost healthcare delivery in the country.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by Oluwakemi Eluma, Finance and Compliance Manager, ACIOE associates limited.

Eluma said that the advice was part of the resolutions by experts at a webinar on Human Resources for Health Challenges and Universal Coverage in Nigeria.

It was organised by ACIOE Associates in collaboration with ACOE Foundation.

She said healthcare providers should leverage on and “enhance digital health to improve telemedicine in Nigeria’.

The manager said the participants also advocated increased government spending and private sector support.

“This will include closing the existing gaps by reforming suitable monetary and nonmonetary incentive packages to encourage qualified health workers to work in rural and remote areas”, Eluma said.

On the manpower deficit in the health sector, Eluma said the participants urged both the private and public sectors to attract more experts to train more healthcare workers to match up with the population.

She said they also urged increased capacity of training institutions and streamlining admission criteria.

“Current statistics reveals that one doctor is available to treat 30,000 patients in some southern parts of Nigeria, while states in the north are as bad as one doctor to 45,000 patients.

“WHO recommended that the appropriate ratio of people to doctors is 1: 100.

“We have to adopt transformative strategies in the scale-up of health workers education and strengthen the capacity and quality of health training institutions through accreditation”, she said.

She reckoned that investments in health workers from the public and private sectors should align with population health needs and health system demands.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

April 25, 2023

Pfizer restates vaccines’ role in global health support, security

A Biopharmaceutical company, Pfizer, says vaccines are critical in supporting global health security to prevent and control more than 30 infectious diseases and reduce hospitalisation of citizens.

Kodjo Soroh, Medical Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, Pfizer, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos in commemoration of World Immunisation Week.

World Immunisation Week, celebrated in the last week of April, aims to highlight the collective action needed to protect people from vaccine-preventable diseases.

This year’s celebration is with the theme; ‘The Big Catch-Up’, representing a global push to vaccinate millions of children and return to pre-pandemic vaccination levels.

Soroh said that this year’s campaign came at a critical turning point for immunisation.

He noted that it was time to get on track after over two years of immunisation backsliding caused by COVID-19 pandemic disruptions.

“We must catch-up, restore and strengthen immunisation services to reach the millions of people missing out on the life-saving benefits of vaccines and stop outbreaks from accelerating.

“We should not forget that vaccines are one of the world’s most powerful and cost-effective public health tools available and have successfully helped to eradicate, eliminate, and manage many deadly infectious diseases.

“Smallpox has been eradicated and polio is nearly gone. Cervical cancer could become the first cancer to be eliminated,” he said.

According to him, vaccines also play a critical role in combating antimicrobial resistance, reduction of antibiotic use by preventing bacterial infections in the first place, such as with the pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines.

“They can also prevent viral infections such as flu, which can provoke secondary infections requiring antibiotics,” he said.

Soroh also noted Pfizer’s history in vaccine research and development, including a pivotal role in the eradication of polio and smallpox.

“Through the development of innovative delivery systems and technologies (the term often used is `novel vaccines’), we’ve created innovations for preventing deadly bacterial infections.

“Today, more than at any time in history, people are benefiting from safe and effective vaccines to prevent infections and diseases.

“These injections have protected people of all ages, from newborns to seniors. However, our work is not done.

“Many viruses and bacteria still present a serious health risk, and so we continue to focus on research and development in new areas, with the goal of adding more approved vaccines to tackle pathogens.

“By getting vaccinated, you can protect yourself and also avoid spreading preventable diseases to other people in your community,” he said.

According to him, some people cannot get certain vaccines because they are too young, too old, have a weakened immune system or other serious health condition.

“Those people are less likely to catch a preventable disease when you and others around them are vaccinated against it.

“Help protect yourself and the people you love by staying up to date on recommended vaccinations,” he said.

Soroh said that global vaccination coverage figures are improving, but still mask huge inequalities that shouldn’t be ignored.

He said that Pfizer was developing and distributing vaccines throughout the world to help protect many people against life-threatening illness,.

“We’ve already seen that by channeling resources to the most promising public health opportunities, we can have an impact across all areas of life,” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria