News Agency of Nigeria
Nigeria’s economic fortunes depend on data-backed reforms-Afrinvest MD
Economy/Business , General News

Nigeria’s economic fortunes depend on data-backed reforms-Afrinvest MD

 

 

 

 

By Olawunmi Ashafa

An Investment banking group, Afrinvest, has called for research-driven reforms to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential beyond the trillion-dollar gross domestic product milestone.

Its Managing Director, Dr Ike Chioke, made call at the company’s 30th anniversary celebration and the unveiling of the 20th edition of its flagship Banking Sector Report (BSR) on Tuesday in Lagos.

The theme of the report is “ACT-BOLD: Beyond a Trillion-Dollar Economy”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the report outlines seven priority sectors, agriculture, creatives/tourism and hospitality, technology, banking & finance, oil and gas, logistics, and domestic manufacturing, as accelerators of growth that can reposition Nigeria as a globally competitive economy.

Chioke said the company’ 30-year journey had been about producing ideas that shape policy and guide stakeholders through economic turbulence.

“Our research has consistently shown that Nigeria’s fortunes are inseparable from global tides.

“From the banking reforms of the early 2000s, to the 2008 financial crisis, the 2016 recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen that clarity, innovation, and bold action remain the most reliable drivers of recovery and growth,” Chioke said.

He noted that past editions of the BSR had spotlighted critical turning points.

He said this includes the 2009 banking sector collapse, the 2017 recovery phase titled “Nigeria Reopens for Business”, and the 2022 warning, “Brace for Impact,” which foreshadowed subsidy and FX reforms later implemented by President Bola Tinubu.

“This 20th edition is both a call to action and a framework for Nigeria’s future.

“If we harness these seven industries strategically, Nigeria can move beyond short-term fixes and position itself as a trillion-dollar-plus economy, just like India and Indonesia have done,” Chioke added.

The event drew policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders, who praised Afrinvest’s consistency in providing research-driven solutions to Nigeria’s economic challenges.

Also, Chairman of Afrinvest, Mr Godwin Obaseki, represented by Prof. Osita Ogbu, Development Economist and former presidential Economic Adviser, said the company’s three-decade journey reflected a legacy of resilience, innovation, and transformative impact in Nigeria’s financial markets.

According to him, the company has not only facilitated landmark acquisitions but also built innovative investment instruments that continue to redefine access to opportunities for clients.

He highlighted some of Afrinvest’s landmark transactions to include the UBA and Standard Trust Bank merger in 2004, the 350 million eurobond issued by GTBank in 2007, and Dangote Cement’s N2.1 trillion listing in 2010, the largest in the history of the Nigerian Exchange.

“Our legacy is not just in numbers but in impact. We have supported governments, facilitated investments that built infrastructure, and contributed to the growth of international markets.

“With courage, clarity, and creativity, Afrinvest is ready for the next chapter, confident that together, we can go beyond limits,” the chairman added.

NAN reports that the event drew regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders, who commended the company for three decades of thought leadership and its solution-driven approach to the nation’s economic transformation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

FG reiterates commitment to expand opportunities for women
Gender

FG reiterates commitment to expand opportunities for women

By Abiodun Lawal

The Federal government has reiterated its commitment to restore dignity, expand opportunities and ensure that women in the country thrive.

 

 

Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, stated this on Tuesday during a working visit to Ogun and a brief stop-over at Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), Abeokuta.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim explained that a lot of women programmes had been designed under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

She noted that the federal ministry of women affairs and social development had embedded the vision in its Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention Programmes.

She emphasised that the initiative would cater to all, leaving no woman, child, or vulnerable person behind.

The minister highlighted the importance of creating a society where women and girls can live safely, valued, and empowered.

According to her, the SARC in the state is a shining example of how vision translated into practice.

“It is not just a facility; it is a refuge of healing, dignity, and hope. Here, survivors receive medical care, psychosocial support, and the assurance that they are not alone.

“This model shows what is possible when government, partners, and communities work together.

“As we extend immediate support to survivors today, we also look to the future. Working hand in hand with the state government, civil society, and development partners,” she said.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim commended Gov. Dapo Abiodun for displaying example in culture, governance, innovation and commitment to women’s advancement.

Earlier, Mrs Adijat Adeleye, Ogun Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, said that the SARC and the women development centre were deliberately cited side by side.

“We believe that healing must go hand in hand with rebuilding. At the SARC, survivors come in with pain, but they do not remain defined by it.

“Here, wounds are treated, tears are wiped, voices are restored, and shattered lives begin the journey to wholeness again.

“Supported and equipped through the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) with World Bank assistance, this center boldly declares that violence will never have the final say in our state,” she said.

Adeleye noted that at the women development center, a victim could pick up her dignity, learn a trade, gain financial literacy, embrace entrepreneurship, and prepare for a new life of independence. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited Folasade Adeniran

Tech company says GITEX Nigeria opened global window for startups
Science & Tech

Tech company says GITEX Nigeria opened global window for startups

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Funmilola Gboteku

 

A Nigerian startup, Meetbox Africa, says its participation in the just-concluded GITEX Nigeria 2025 in Lagos has provided the company with exposure, learning opportunities and access to investors that can shape its growth.

 

 

 

In an interview with newsmen, Mr Kehinde Awoyinfa, Co-founder of Meetbox Africa, described the exhibition as a launchpad for young companies eager to prove their relevance in the digital economy.

 

 

 

“GITEX Nigeria was a classroom and a marketplace rolled into one. We saw startups, investors and global giants all under one roof.

 

 

 

“For us, it was a chance to learn, compete and be noticed,” Awoyinfa said.

 

 

 

He explained that beyond showcasing products, the company held meetings with Microsoft Cloud partners, Internet Service Providers and venture capitalists.

 

 

 

“Some of those conversations may shape how we scale in the coming months,” he added.

 

 

 

Awoyinfa noted that Nigerian startups often struggled with access to funding and markets.

 

 

 

He added that platforms such as GITEX, bridge the gap by connecting local firms with global distributors, policy makers and investors without the cost of travelling abroad.

 

 

 

“For Meetbox, the expo also highlighted how local firms could hold their own on a global stage.

 

 

 

“We displayed our conferencing systems integrated with Microsoft Teams and Zoom, but it was our playful branded robot dog, ‘K9 the Ultimate,’ that drew the biggest crowds.

 

 

 

“K9 danced, shook hands and guided visitors to our booth. It was our way of standing out in a sea of innovation and sparking conversations about what we do,” he said.

 

 

 

He, however, stressed that the most valuable aspect of GITEX was the knowledge exchange.

 

 

 

Awoyinfa said the panel discussions and policy sessions gave insights into where the ecosystem was headed, especially in artificial intelligence, cloud, fintech and cybersecurity.

 

 

 

He emphasised that GITEX helped Nigerian startups to build confidence and visibility.

 

 

 

Awoyinfa noted that the country’s role as a continental tech hub would be strengthened if more local innovators consistently took advantage of such global-facing platforms. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola

Foundation harps on training for self-discovery, development
General News

Foundation harps on training for self-discovery, development

 

 

By Uchenna Eletuo

 

The South Africa-based Training for Transformation (TNT) Foundation, on Tuesday, said that training remained key to self-discovery and development and should be given priority attention.

 

 

 

The foundation made the assertion at a workshop it organised in Festac Town, Lagos State, on Tuesday.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was aimed to sensitise the participants about the operations of the foundation and enlist people for the foundation’s forthcoming training on environmental economy.

 

 

 

The Lead Facilitator, Ms Talent Nthambi, said that TNT was aimed to provide individuals with knowledge and activities that would develop their minds to take advantage of opportunities in their environments.

 

According to her, Africa is blessed with resources to cater for its people but has not taken full advantage of the endowment.

 

“Hunger is prevalent in the society because people lack the knowledge to exploit their environments and make informed choices that can foster the common good,” she said.

 

Ms Ese Ajuyah, also a facilitator, said that the training was tailored to make people changed agents, appeal to their minds to do things right and stir reforms in their communities.

 

The Founder of the Sisters City, Owo, Ondo State, Mrs Olutosin Adebowale, who has benefitted from TNT training, said that transformation was a process and not a project.

 

“Knowledge has to be constantly updated to suit the times.

 

“TNT trains people to begin with solutions to issues at the family unit, such as domestic violence, bulling and cultural inhibitions that deprived people especially women their rights.

 

“After that is the community phase which raises conversations within informed nucleus to identify structures that hinder societal progress and deal with such.

 

 

 

“It then brings to the fore, matters of public concern and proffer solutions.” (NAN)

 

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

 

 

Computer society tasks new executives on innovativeness
Science & Tech

Computer society tasks new executives on innovativeness

 

 

 

 

 

By Uchenna Eletuo

 

The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has inaugurated its new national executives with a charge to be innovative and focused.

 

The executives include the President, Mr Muhammad Aliyu-Sirajo and Deputy President, Mr Charles Onyeukwu.

 

At the inauguration held at the organisation’s National Secretariat in Lagos on Thursday, the immediate past President, Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria, Mr Bimbo Abioye, said that innovativeness would take the organisation to greater heights.

 

He urged the executives to be focused and conceive ideas, programmes and projects that would transform Nigeria’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

 

Abioye urged indigenous computer firms to scale up operations, compete favourably with their foreign counterparts, and dominate the Nigerian market.

 

A former NCS President, Mr Ezichi Samuel, urged the new executives to borrow from the experiences of their predecessors to forge ahead seamlesssly.

 

Responding, the new President, Mr Muhammad Aliyu-Sirajo, promised that the executives would work in unity in the interest of the body and the entire Nigeria.

 

Aliyu-Sirajo addded, “Strict adherence to professional ethics will uplift the operations of the organisation.”

 

He said that the new executives would drive innovation and development in Nigeria’s ICT sector.

 

“United we can cause changes in the economy,” Aliyu-Sirajo said.

 

He commended the former executives for sacrifices that helped in building a vibrant NCS. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Ijeoma Popoola

Lagos residents share personal stories behind piercings, tattoos
Entertainment

Lagos residents share personal stories behind piercings, tattoos

By Omolola Olukoga

In the world today, body piercing has become more than just a fashion, style and trend.

Piercings of the nose, navel, tongue, nipple and belly button, for most people, are forms of self expression, rebellion or healing from past experiences.

Some have faced backlash for their piercings, with some employers and individuals viewing them as unconventional or unprofessional.

However, many young people see piercings as a way to express themselves and showcase their individuality.

Behind every stud or ring lies a personal story waiting to be heard.

Miss Pamela Oko, a 20-year-old student, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that she loved the way her body piercings looked on her and the beauty they portrayed.

“It makes me feel comfortable.”

Also, Bimbo Adeola, 23, a sales girl, told NAN that she got piercings because they looked cute.

“It enhances my appearance and that is why I embrace the trend,” she said.

For others the story is deeper than style.

A 25-year-old up-and-coming musician, Jonn Steven, also known as “Siifa”, said body piercing was a trend in the music industry both locally and internationally.

“I just wanted to know what the pain felt like for me.

“I was told by my manager to get piercings and tattoos, plus plating of hair to look trendy, so I did that,” he said.

He noted that it served not only as a vice of beauty or fashion but also to differentiate what one does.

“Once anyone sees you in all that, they would know what you are into,” he said.

Miss Amira Ogundele, 29, a hairdresser and make-up artist, said her favourite piercing was the nose ring.

“It serves as a confidence booster, because it makes me feel confident about myself and my abilities.

“What a lot of people see is just a trend, in reality it can be of big importance to one,” she said.

A 33-year-old music producer, Peter Odibo, said the perception of piercings differs from one person to another.

Odibo, however, argued that body modification did not influence how people were perceived socially or professionally.

“I disagree to this statement. No, it does not influence the social or professional view,” he said.

Mr Eno Bassey, a 34-year-old teacher, confirmed that piercings had affected his sister’s professional relations with people.

“The first place she got a sales job, she was told to remove them, she rejected the job.

“Second one, her madam grumbled but let her be but passed comment most times about it,” he said.

Bassey said piercings were a personal choice of individuals, adding that they should not affect or stand as a barrier to building friendships, or career opportunities.

“Even in formal settings like school competitions or job interviews, piercings should not be a disadvantage.

“One can be of great value and still have a piercing.

“One can also be intelligent and outspoken and still have a piercing,” he said.

Music manager and social commentator, Alex Uwem, said looking at the societal view toward people with piercings, more work was needed to reorient such people.

Uwem noted that body modifications, including tattoos and piercings, were not just about decorations.

“It is about choice, confidence, pain, managing situations, and self expression.

“For some it is indeed fashion but for others it is therapy.

“For many, it is a personal story carved beneath the skin,” he said.

He cautioned against stigmatising people with piercings and tattoos, adding that critics should encourage a better and deeper conversation instead.

“Words can cause an emotional scar on the people concerned and cause them to decide to withdraw from their once fragile social state of mind,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Minister, Sanwo-Olu, others advocate early youth political integration, commitment
General News

Minister, Sanwo-Olu, others advocate early youth political integration, commitment

 

 

 

Youths

 

 

 

By Grace Alegba

 

 

 

Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Ibrahim, have joined calls for early integration of young adults into the nation’s political space to shape governance.

 

 

 

They spoke at the 2025 Lagos State APC Women Summit with the theme: “Arise, Aspire and Ascend”, on Thursday in Ikeja.

 

 

 

Ibrahim ,who delivered the keynote address, praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for giving more opportunities to women and youths in his cabinet.

 

 

 

She said 60 per cent of the nation’s population are under 25 and most of them, women, urging more women and youths to prepare to make their votes count for Tinubu in 2027.

 

 

 

She thanked President Tinubu “for putting women at the heart of his administration”, pledging collective endorsement for the president ahead of the next general election.

 

 

 

The minister urged women to continue to aspire and seize opportunities of the moment provided by Tinubu’s cabinet, which has eight female ministers.

 

 

 

“We have never had it this good and we must make good use of this opportunity,” she said.

 

 

 

She commended the passion of the First Lady , Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for the political and economic empowerment of women in the country.

 

 

 

The minister explained that empowerment programmes of the ministry and that of Mrs Tinubu had impacted lives and promoted economic growth.

 

 

 

She emphasised the need for increased female representation in politics at all levels of government.

 

 

 

On her part, Sanwo-Olu stressed need to mentor children early to appreciate the importance of performing their civic responsibilities.

 

 

 

She cited examples of parents in the North, who, she said, expose their children early to the importance of performing civic responsibilities.

 

 

 

Sanwo-Olu urged parents in the South-West to adopt early mentorship for youths.

 

 

 

She also expressed hope for mindset shift for early commitment to political participation by young people.

 

 

 

Sanwo-Olu said figures of the 2023 general governorship election were not encouraging as out of the seven million registered voters, only 762,000 voted in the state.

 

 

 

She called for collaboration of women, youths and all residents toward returning President Bola Tinubu for another term.

 

 

 

“Bring a minimum of 20 people, ensure that they register, go the extra mile that they register and get their voter cards,” she said.

 

 

 

In her welcome address, Mrs Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader, urged women to own and showcase the ongoing development strides of the present administration.

 

 

 

Okoya-Thomas said women in the party were not just participants in the democratic process, but custodians of its continuity.

 

 

 

“We must arise, not just in celebration, but in clarity. We must arise, not just in loyalty, but in leadership. We must arise, not just as women, but as architects of our party’s future.

 

 

 

“At this critical moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, we must confront the realities,” she said

 

 

 

She reeled out success stories from various empowerment and humanitarian initiatives of President Tinubu’s programmes, adding that, real change takes time.

 

 

 

Okoya-Thomas said the positive results of the reforms of President Tinubu’s programmes were evident across all local councils in the country.

 

 

 

“You must trust your leadership. Under the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, we have begun that change.

 

 

 

“And today, we, the women of APC, must own that change and carry its message boldly across every local government, every ward, and every home in Nigeria.

 

 

 

“We must aspire. To aspire means lift our eyes from today’s challenges and set our hearts on tomorrow’s possibilities. Let no young woman in this room believe she is too small to make an impact,” she said.

 

 

 

She praised Tinubu for increasing the number of women in government and also targeting over 4.5 million women, including Nigerians, for women’s scale-up projects.

 

 

 

She reeled out training and empowerment programmes by both Mrs Tinubu and wife of Vice President, Nana Shettima, saying the programmes gave skills, access, and confidence to women.

 

 

 

She urged the women and youths to become loud ambassadors of the achievements.

 

 

 

“We are not gathered here on sentiments. We are gathered on evidence. This administration has not just spoken, it has acted,” she said.

 

 

 

She said the summit was the the official flag off of a movement that would build a movement that would shape perception, participation, and performance across every political line.

 

 

 

“From our community influencers to our world chairpersons, from our market leaders, our professionals, in every sector, we will ascend together.

 

 

 

“We will transform our testimonies into talking points, turn our policy impact into polling booth momentum, translate governance into grassroots connection. Our commitment to 2027.

 

 

 

“This summit is our response to 2027. Not from a place of fear, but from a place of fact.

 

 

 

“We are not preparing to fight for survival. We are preparing to fight for continuity. Not because we owe it to a person, but because we owe it to the progress already begun. This summit is not just about plus.

 

 

 

“It is about alignment. It is about strategy. It is about translating the renewed hope agenda into a women-led mobilization framework,” she said.

 

 

 

She urged youths to get registered and vote Tinubu and APC overwhelmingly in 2027.

 

 

 

Panelists at the event urged women to break cultural norms and barriers to aspire for political offices, while urging youths to register, engage and participate fully in real elections not social media.

 

They also explained the benefits of youths embracing politics, participation and mentorship towards Nigeria’s growth. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

GITEX 2025: MTN pushes for regional integration in telecommunications
Economy/Business

GITEX 2025: MTN pushes for regional integration in telecommunications

 

 

By Rukayat Moisemhe and Funmilola Gboteku

MTN Nigeria on Wednesday advocated for regional integration in telecommunications to help lower data and roaming charges, making cross-border communication seamless and more affordable.

Mr Ayham Moussa, Chief Operating Officer, MTN Nigeria, made this call in Lagos at the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) 2025 conference.

The MTN boss stated that community engagement, state-level investments and policy harmonisation across African countries were key to reducing costs and improving service reliability.

He called for stronger collaboration between operators, governments and communities to address infrastructure challenges and harmonise processes and practices to advance telecommunications service delivery across Africa.

Moussa said the company currently operated about 40,000km of fibre lines across the continent, but vandalism and poor protection of critical infrastructure continued to undermine connectivity and service quality.

Moussa noted that 70 per cent of its network downtime was linked to power supply issues, while over 1,700 fibre cuts were recorded in the last six months.

Moussa stressed the critical need for robust infrastructure and advanced connectivity solutions to unlock Africa’s full digital potential.

He added that education and awareness are crucial in reducing fibre cuts and promoting the protection of critical national infrastructure.

“We are at a pivotal moment in Africa’s digital journey as the demand for connectivity is skyrocketing, and we, as industry leaders, have a collective responsibility to ensure that this demand is met with resilient, scalable, and accessible infrastructure.

“Our focus at MTN is not just about expanding networks; it’s about building the foundational highways for digital inclusion and economic growth across the continent.

“We are working closely with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other stakeholders to promote awareness, protect infrastructure and strengthen power support for telecom sites.

“We can move into harmonising the processes and practices between the states and the whole country that will allow us to employ faster and cheaper and consequently reflect that in the future,” Moussa added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Gates Foundation calls for concrete action on gender inclusion in Nigeria
General News

Gates Foundation calls for concrete action on gender inclusion in Nigeria

 

 

By Oluwafunke Ishola

 

 

 

The Gates Foundation has urged Nigerian leaders to accelerate action on gender equality goals by moving from policy launches to real delivery for women and girls.

 

The foundation emphasises that Nigeria’s development success hinges on translating policies into tangible actions that benefit women to achieve common goals in women’s health and inclusive economic growth.

 

 

Ekenem Isichei, Deputy Director of Programme Advocacy and Communications (PAC) at the Gates Foundation, made the call during his keynote address at the 2025 Gender and Inclusion Summit organised by the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC), Abuja.

 

 

The summit with the theme: “New Voices and New Approaches for Accelerating Inclusive Society”, brought together government, private sector and civil society to discuss gender inclusion and its impact on economic growth and development.

 

 

Isichei said inclusive growth cannot be achieved unless women are intentionally prioritised in national and state policies, warning that progress made in women’s health and empowerment could stall without stronger institutional delivery and budgetary commitment.

 

“Our goal is to leverage our knowledge and capital to enable the government to best serve its people to execute on budget commitments for key health innovations, to streamline donor delivery coordination mechanisms, to plan and operationalise national development plans on the state level, and much more.”

 

He emphasised that the conversation became important at a time when bilateral aid to Nigeria fell by 40 per cent as programmes that intentionally support women’s health or empowerment remained targeted.

 

Isichei added that funding for maternal and child health dropped by 67 per cent.

 

“We gather at a time when resources and momentum towards gender equality goals are waning.

 

“Since we gathered last year, bilateral Official Development Assistance that is aid from a donor country to Nigeria has dropped 40 per cent, and programmes that intentionally support women’s health or empowerment were especially targeted.

 

“Funding towards maternal and child health in Nigeria dropped by 67 per cent.

 

“That means that for every three women in your community, two of them will not have access to critical women’s health commodities that they had last year.

 

“When 70 per cent of Nigeria’s poorest are women, we cannot ignore the unique experiences of women in climbing out of poverty.

 

“At the Foundation, we have seen the hard evidence that proves that investing in women’s health and women’s economic empowerment has a lasting impact across generations.

 

“It leads to healthier families, stronger economies, and a more just world,” Isichie said.

 

He called on national and subnational governments to invest in skills systems and staying power to implement programmes effectively and not just to inaugurate.

 

“This means institutionalising gender desks, strengthening planning and budget units, and equipping local PHC managers and Gender Officers with the tools and data to lead with impact.”

 

He also called for dedicated public resources for women, saying gender-responsive budgeting “cannot remain an annual budget exercise.”

 

Isichei called for clear expenditure targets for women-led MSMEs, which must be protected, disbursed and monitored.

 

He recalled that the Gates Foundation recently pledged $2.5 billion through 2030 for research and development in women’s health, calling on governments, the private sector, and civil society to co-invest.

 

Though civil society groups were praised for pushing inclusion into the national conversations and matching urgency with operational clarity, Isichie urged private sector leaders to see inclusion as smart economics rather than charity.

 

Meanwhile, the chairperson of Nigeria Governors’ Spouses’ Forum (NGSF), Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, reiterated the Forum’s commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment, pledging stronger interventions to dismantle systemic barriers.

 

Abdulrazaq said that various state-level reforms are already underway, stressing that Kwara State has signed a 35 per cent gender inclusion bill into law.

 

She added that 10 states now grant six months of maternity leave to working mothers.

 

According to her, several states, including Imo, Ogun, and Ekiti, have female deputy governors, with Kwara reporting 50 per cent female representation in its cabinet.

 

Such measures, Abdulrazaq said, signal progress toward reshaping governance and leadership representation in Nigeria.

 

In another remark, the Second Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Ghana Matilda Sante-Asiedu said true progress extends beyond economic growth, as it is rooted in inclusion and representation for all.

 

 

Gender equity, she said “is not a moral responsibility but strategic for building societies that are inclusive, resilient and prosperous.

 

Changing the narrative of inclusion requires transformational thinking and an unconventional approach to doing things.”

 

She urged all leaders and policymakers to embrace bold ideas and establish institutions that truly reflect the diversity of the African continent. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Medical practitioners call for prioritising citizens’ health for economic growth
Health

Medical practitioners call for prioritising citizens’ health for economic growth

 

 

 

By Oluwafunke Ishola

 

 

 

The Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) emphasises that prioritising citizens’ health and creating a supportive environment for private health professionals are crucial steps toward building a resilient economy.

 

This assertion was made by Dr Jonathan Esegine, Chairman of the ANPMP Lagos State chapter, during a news conference in Lagos ahead of the association’s Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference.

 

 

Esegine disclosed that the conference has the theme “Building Resilient Private Healthcare System in Lagos State: A Strategic Driver of Public-Private Collaboration, Economic Stability and Governance”.

 

He emphasised that the theme was germane to proffering sustainable solutions to the myriad of challenges facing Lagos State and the country’s health sector.

 

According to him, building a robust economy hinges on ensuring the populace are healthy through a virile private health care system.

 

He stressed that the private health sector must be given the desired attention and support to thrive.

 

“Private medical professionals operate under harrowing conditions from indequate infrastructure, multiple taxation, poverty among the populace, insecurity to dearths of health personnel.

 

“In spite of these conditions, we still provide 70 per cent of the medical needs to the populace.

 

“We have been doing this in the past 104 years.

 

“Those of us who are remaining in the country, we are still willing, but we need the government to appreciate and support us by providing a conducive environment so that we can function more efficiently.”

 

The chairman highlighted the effect of high cost of electricity tariffs and fuel on hospital services, noting that efforts are ongoing to ensure their inclusion in the recently approved electricity subsidy of the government.

 

He noted that the conference seeks to educate and share experiences of new development in the sector that impacts on their practices as well as service delivery.

 

“We will also discuss impact of government policy, both at the state and local level and the influence of the economy on our services.

 

“Also, relevance of information technology in driving healthcare systems and general improvement of Quality Assurance System.”

 

Similarly, Dr Tunji Akintade, Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the conference, said the theme seeks to draw attention to the dire conditions of citizens.

 

Akintade noted that the bleeding health sector was threatening the health and well-being of citizens with its attendant impact indirectly affecting productivity.

 

“We are giving services to close to 70 per cent of the population. In other states, it’s higher than that.

 

“In that wise, government should be looking at a situation where they cover a lot of our tracks.

 

“Government have done it before when the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria was on government’s neck, they subsidised importation and production and the impact was felt at the grassroots.

 

“In fact, there was a rule that if you are setting up an industry, you get five years tax-free,” Akintade said.

 

 

 

He lamented that same incentives and support from government was yet to be given to private medical professionals who are entrusted with providing life-saving intervention to a large percentage of citizens.

 

Akintade urged the government to collaborate with private health professionals toward improving service delivery and strengthening the nation’s health system. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

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