News Agency of Nigeria
Beyond Borders: Nigeria calls for ECOWAS health pact against Lassa Fever
Features

Beyond Borders: Nigeria calls for ECOWAS health pact against Lassa Fever

By Abujah Racheal

Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has called for a stronger ECOWAS health pact to address Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases threatening the region.

Dr Jide Idris, Director-General of the NCDC, made the call on Thursday in Abidjan at a high-level panel on community involvement during the 2nd Lassa Fever International Conference, convened by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference has the theme “Beyond Borders: Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Combat Lassa Fever and Emerging Infectious Diseases”.

The conference seeks to reaffirm regional commitment, mobilise political will, and drive collective action against viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHFs).

Idris said that cross-border surveillance and coordinated response mechanisms were essential to tackle Lassa fever, which is endemic in several West African countries.

“Viruses do not respect borders. Our surveillance and our responses must therefore also transcend borders.

“We need an ECOWAS health pact that guarantees data sharing, joint preparedness, and pooled resources to fight these threats,” he said.

He emphasised that community engagement remained the backbone of epidemic preparedness, adding that outbreaks often escalate into crises not because of the pathogen alone, but due to human factors such as trust, culture, and behaviour.

He highlighted lessons from Nigeria’s experience with Ebola, COVID-19, and Lassa fever outbreaks, stressing that communities were not the “last mile” but the first line of defence in epidemic response.

According to him, early detection, risk communication, and culturally sensitive interventions are critical to reducing mortality and preventing large-scale transmission.

He also urged member states to support research and development for vaccines and diagnostics, invest in One Health approaches linking human, animal and environmental health, and provide dedicated funding for community-led preparedness initiatives.

NAN recalls that WAHO said the Abidjan gathering would provide a platform for health ministers, scientists, and development partners to chart new strategies to address Lassa fever, which continues to cause thousands of deaths across the region annually.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

CIPM UK 2025 Conference to chart future of work amid disruption
General News

CIPM UK 2025 Conference to chart future of work amid disruption

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) UK Branch will host its 2nd Annual Conference on Sept. 12 and Sept. 13 in Bradford, United Kingdom.

It has the theme “Preparing for Future Disruptions: Building Resilience Against Economic, Technological, and Societal Disruptions Impacting the Workforce.”

The conference will convene global HR leaders, executives, academics, and policymakers to examine how organisations can anticipate disruption, foster resilience, and build future-ready workplaces.

Confirmed speakers include Dr Alim Abubakre, Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Business School, Founder of TEXEM, UK and Board Member, Business Council for Africa; Emily Akanimoh, Group HR Manager, Four Marketing Group; Success Osideko, Board Member, Endoratech; among others.

According to CIPM UK, the conference offers a timely response to growing uncertainty caused by economic volatility, rapid technological advancement, and shifting societal expectations.

“In today’s unpredictable world, preparing for disruption is no longer optional—it is essential. This conference provides HR professionals and leaders with practical insights, shared experiences, and tools to place people at the heart of resilient strategies,” the Institute said in a statement.

The conference will feature plenaries on bridging the skills gap through apprenticeships, internships, and mentoring; embedding digital literacy and lifelong learning; and attracting, retaining, and supporting Gen Z and Gen Alpha talent.

Speaking ahead of the event, Abubakre said: “The future of work demands courage, creativity, and compassion. By investing in talent pipelines through apprenticeships, internships, and mentoring, employers can not only safeguard their organisations but also empower the next generation to thrive in a volatile world.

”This confab is more than an event—it is a call to action to build workplaces that are resilient, inclusive, and prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.”

The two-day event will also feature a Gala and Awards Night to celebrate excellence and leadership in HR across categories such as Mentorship, Professional Excellence, Community Service, and Lifetime Achievement.

Organisers say the conference will serve as a catalyst for transformation, equipping participants with strategies to build adaptive, purpose-driven, and future-proof organisations.

The CIPM UK Branch is a community for Nigerian CIPM members located in the UK, offering networking, knowledge-sharing, and professional support, and was officially inaugurated on Nov. 16, 2022.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Security expert, Bukarti, counters El-Rufai’s ransom claims
Defence/Security

Security expert, Bukarti, counters El-Rufai’s ransom claims

By Mufutau Ojo
A security analyst, Dr Bulama Bukarti, has dismissed the recent claims by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that the Federal Government pays ransom and provides supplies to armed groups terrorising the country.

El-Rufai had alleged during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, that government’s complicity was worsening insecurity in the country.

But reacting during his weekly live programme, Bukarti described the claims as “politics without any element of truth.”

According to him, there is no law or policy that permits the government to fund or support bandits.

He said ransom payments that make headlines were usually raised by victims’ families or communities.

Bukarti further explained that Nigeria’s security challenges were beyond battlefield strategy.

He linked them instead to systemic corruption which he described as the “biggest enabler of terrorist activities.”

Bukarti also cautioned against making unsubstantiated allegations against sitting presidents, recalling that similar claims had been levelled against past heads of state.

Clarifying how the military operates, the analyst stressed that only the president can issue directives for military action.

He said governors, ministers, and even the National Security Adviser lack such powers.

The chain of command, he explained, runs from the president to the Chief of Army Staff and down to field commanders.

Bukarti said addressing Nigeria’s insecurity would require sustained collaboration between citizens, government and security agencies, anchored on a determined effort to curb corruption.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Mufutau Ojo

Shalamar to thrill fans at Independence day concert
Entertainment

Shalamar to thrill fans at Independence day concert

By Babajide Awoyinfa

Renowned American R&B group, Shalamar, is set to light up Abuja with an unforgettable concert on Oct. 4, coinciding with Nigeria’s 65th Independence celebrations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event will take place at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Fans in the Federal Capital Territory and beyond can look forward to a nostalgic evening filled with classic hits and electrifying performances from the Grammy-winning trio.

The highly anticipated concert is promoted by iCreate Africa in collaboration with First Culture Limited.

It promises to be a musical journey through Shalamar’s extensive repertoire, making it a must-see for old-school music enthusiasts and new fans alike.

The group is renowned for timeless tracks such as A Night To Remember and I Can Make You Feel Good.

Highlighting the significance of the show, Bright Jaja, Chief Executive Officer of iCreate Africa, described Shalamar’s decision to extend their global tour to Nigeria as a major cultural moment.

”We’re thrilled to welcome Shalamar to Abuja this Independence Weekend. Their decision to include Nigeria on their tour is not just an honour, it’s a long-overdue gift to a vibrant community of music lovers who have carried their legacy for decades,” he said.

Jaja added that the concert would create unforgettable experiences for mature audiences who rarely get events tailored to them.

According to him, tickets are currently available at Jabi Boat Club, El-Amin International School, House 43 and Istanbul Restaurant, Jabi Mall.

Similarly, Tunde Babalola, Creative Director of First Culture, noted that the show goes beyond entertainment.

According to him, this isn’t just a concert, it’s a gift to all generations; a musical bridge between the past and present.

”Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience a breathtaking Shalamar performance curated to evoke thrills, nostalgia and goose bumps.”

In a video message, Shalamar members Howard Hewett, Carolyn Griffey and Jeffrey Daniel expressed excitement about returning to Nigeria.

Daniel, who pioneered the iconic dance move known as the “backslide” (later called the moonwalk), promised fans that the show would truly be “a night to remember.”

Shalamar, celebrated for their energetic performances and contributions to dance music, including popularising “body-popping” in the UK, are regarded as one of the finest funk and soul groups of their generation.

With over 25 million records sold before the classic lineup split in the mid-1980s, the group’s enduring influence remains strong.

The group’s discography includes hits such as Friends, Make That Move, Sweeter As The Days Go By, There It Is and I Owe You One.

This will not be Shalamar’s first Nigerian outing.

In January 1982, the band performed at the National Arts Theatre in Lagos, before staging sold-out shows at the Universities of Lagos, Ibadan and Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).

As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, Shalamar’s return promises a night of pulsating live performances and a nostalgic experience for lovers of old-school music. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Bridging trust in West Africa’s health innovations through media
Features

Bridging trust in West Africa’s health innovations through media

News Analysis by Ismail Abdulaziz, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

In a region where misinformation and scepticism often undermine outbreak responses, experts say media collaboration could be the game-changer in driving public acceptance of medical innovations across West Africa.

From COVID-19 vaccines to ongoing efforts against Ebola, Lassa fever, Mpox and yellow fever, health interventions have too often been weakened by conspiracy theories and low health literacy.

However, researchers, policymakers and advocates meeting at the 2nd ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference (ELFIC 2025) in Abidjan agreed that strategic partnerships with the media can build trust and strengthen community engagement.

They stressed that such collaborations are essential for turning scientific breakthroughs into solutions that people are willing to embrace.

The West African Health Organisation (WAHO), organisers of the four-day conference, said the aim was to chart a new course for tackling one of the region’s most persistent public health challenges.

Accordingly, ELFIC 2025 brought together scientists, researchers, health workers, civil society organisations, policymakers, and donors to deepen regional cooperation against Lassa fever and other infectious diseases.

Lassa fever remains a pressing concern, with one in five infections leading to severe disease.

Moreover, the absence of a vaccine and approved treatment means the virus continues to inflict devastating health and socio-economic impacts, especially in rural communities.

Conference sessions, therefore, focused on vaccine and diagnostic development, outbreak preparedness, surveillance, cross-border collaboration, and lessons from past epidemics.

Speakers emphasised that community engagement must be central to all strategies, and this is where the media has a vital role.

In many cases, experts observed that research findings remain locked in academic circles until trials are completed.

Consequently, it becomes difficult to win public trust once innovations are rolled out.

Early collaboration with professional journalists, they argued, can instead counter fake news, simplify complex science, and prepare communities for new interventions.

“People have been bombarded with misinformation and dissuaded from embracing laudable medical breakthroughs because effective media strategies were not deployed early,” one participant said.

To address this, a model presented at ELFIC 2025 calls for impactful messaging at every stage; from early research to clinical trials and eventual rollout.

Such communication, stakeholders agreed, must be transparent about progress, timelines, challenges, and expected outcomes.

The conference also spotlighted solutions journalism as an emerging tool for bridging the trust gap.

Unlike traditional reporting, solutions journalism shifts attention beyond problems to highlight evidence-based responses, examining what works, what does not, and why.

In Nigeria, organisations such as Nigeria Health Watch have already begun adopting this approach in partnership with health institutions to tell stories that inspire confidence and accountability.

According to the Solutions Journalism Network, the approach “investigates and explains, in a critical and clear-eyed way, how people try to solve widely shared problems.

“By adding rigorous coverage of solutions, journalists can tell the whole story”.

Rather than promoting specific initiatives, solutions journalism evaluates them rigorously, looking at what was done, the evidence of impact, the reasons for success or failure, and any limitations.

Its strength lies in providing proof where progress is made, identifying lessons where responses fall short, and offering insights that others can learn from.

Crucially, this approach distinguishes itself from public relations by holding leaders accountable.

By showing who is getting it right and how, it removes excuses for non-performance and pressures decision-makers to deliver.

It also reframes reporting by asking: “Who is doing something about the problem?”, across radio, print, video, animation, photography and more.

At its core, solutions journalism recognises that communities are not passive victims of challenges; they are actively seeking ways to solve them.

Built on four critical elements of response, evidence, insight and limitations, it provides a powerful tool for community engagement and stronger collaboration between the media and the health sector.

Ultimately, stakeholders at ELFIC 2025 concluded that integrating solutions journalism into epidemic preparedness, alongside early collaboration between scientists and journalists, could reduce vaccine hesitancy.

They noted that these strategies would also encourage acceptance of medical innovations and promote knowledge-sharing across borders.

Consequently, such approaches may help West Africa confront the daunting task of tackling infectious diseases, while at the same time ensuring that communities remain informed, engaged, and resilient.

Looking ahead, the message from ELFIC 2025 was clear: when the media becomes a bridge of trust, science is no longer distant, it becomes a solution communities can believe in and embrace. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng) 

ECOWAS, WAHO strengthen regional fight against lassa fever, epidemics
Features

ECOWAS, WAHO strengthen regional fight against lassa fever, epidemics

News Analysis By Ismail Abdulaziz, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, is this week hosting a gathering that could shape the future of West Africa’s health security.

The 2025 ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference (ELFIC) brings together scientists, policymakers, donors, and community leaders in a united front against epidemics that continue to strain the region’s fragile health systems.

The four-day forum is designed to strengthen vaccine acceptance and promote innovations in prevention and control.

Organised by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), a specialised agency of ECOWAS, and its partners, the event is holding under the theme: “Beyond Borders: Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Combat Lassa and Emerging Infectious Diseases”.

At its core, the Abidjan conference aims to deepen cross-border preparedness, reinforce collaboration, and mobilise sustainable political commitment and financing to protect West Africa from present and future outbreaks.

This second edition follows the maiden ELFIC in Abuja, Nigeria, in 2019, which set the tone for regional cooperation against Lassa fever.

Since then, West Africa has endured hard lessons from Ebola, COVID-19, and Mpox.

Each of these crises underscored a simple truth: “No country can fight an epidemic alone”.

WAHO explained in its conference notes that, “early detection saves lives, and delays in access to vaccines and treatments cost communities dearly.

“Yet Lassa fever remains a persistent threat, causing seasonal outbreaks with limited tools for prevention and care.

“This conference matters because it turns those lessons into action; strengthening regional collaboration, advancing medical countermeasures, and ensuring West Africa is better prepared for future epidemics”.

Lassa fever, an acute viral haemorrhagic illness first identified in Nigeria in 1969, has become endemic in West Africa.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates between 100,000 and 300,000 infections annually, with about 5,000 deaths.

Nigeria alone has reported over 8,000 confirmed cases and more than 1,500 deaths between 2018 and 2024, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea also continue to face recurring outbreaks, while Ghana recorded its first-ever confirmed cases in 2022, signalling the virus’s potential spread beyond traditional hotspots.

Benin, Togo, and Mali have likewise documented sporadic outbreaks, often linked to porous borders and regional trade.

Imported cases in the United Kingdom and Germany further highlight the global implications of the disease.

The zoonotic nature of Lassa fever- spread through contact with infected multimammate rats and through human-to-human transmission in healthcare settings, makes it difficult to control without robust surveillance and rapid response systems.

Although promising vaccine candidates are now in late-stage trials, vaccine acceptance remains a critical obstacle.

WHO stresses that vaccines are among the most effective tools to protect communities, yet hesitancy persists across Africa.

Conference panellists identified mistrust, inadequate infrastructure, and misinformation; especially spread on social media, as major barriers.

They argued that vaccination campaigns often fail to adequately engage communities, leaving people suspicious of health workers who arrive during emergencies.

“During times of vaccinations, proper enlightenment is not carried out on the target population to foster significance and necessity for usage,” one panellist observed.

“This makes it easy for citizens to see the programme as a conspiracy”.

Historical incidents, such as resistance linked to the Pfizer meningitis trial in Kano State, Nigeria, continue to cast long shadows.

The absence of functional healthcare facilities in many endemic communities deepens suspicion, as residents question why interventions arrive sporadically rather than as part of sustained health services.

To address these challenges, experts at the conference proposed stronger collaborations with religious and community leaders, social media influencers, and youth ambassadors.

They stressed the importance of deploying knowledgeable health workers who can build trust and demonstrate respect for local contexts.

Speakers emphasised that West Africa cannot afford to repeat past mistakes.

Ebola, which killed more than 11,000 people in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone between 2014 and 2016, exposed fragile health systems and the dangers of delayed response.

COVID-19, while global in scale, also highlighted stark inequities in vaccine access, with African countries receiving supplies months later than richer nations.

Dr Melchior Athanase J. C. Aïssi, Director General of WAHO, warned: “This conference is a call to action to confront the persistent challenges associated with Lassa fever by advancing research, diagnostics, and community-led solutions, while enhancing preparedness and response strategies against zoonotic diseases”.

Similarly, the Mpox outbreak in 2022–23 reminded the region that emerging infectious diseases do not respect borders.

Cross-border collaboration, therefore, is not an option but a necessity.

For many participants, the Abidjan conference is more than another meeting.

They described ELFIC 2025 as a “critical step forward, from raising awareness to driving concrete commitments, partnerships, and innovations that will safeguard West Africa against current and future epidemic threats”.

The discussions have gone beyond technical research to focus on political will and sustainable financing.

Organisers hope to secure commitments from member states to invest more in diagnostics, vaccines, and community-led preparedness systems.

Crucially, they want to ensure that the gains from ELFIC are translated into real change at national and community levels.

Experts agree that Lassa fever’s persistence is not merely a medical challenge but also a test of governance, equity, and resilience.

With fragile health systems and limited fiscal space, West African countries often struggle to maintain surveillance and invest in research.

That is why WAHO and ECOWAS are pushing for stronger political commitment and long-term financing models.

Six years after the Abuja conference, the stakes are higher.

The world has changed, reshaped by global health crises that exposed vulnerabilities and tested systems.

In Abidjan, West Africa is signalling its determination not to be caught unprepared again.

What began as a scientific discussion in 2019 has now evolved into a broader movement; linking science, policy, and community action under a shared vision of resilience.

For WAHO and its partners, the task ahead is clear: turn lessons into action, embrace medical innovations, and above all, build trust between governments and the people they serve. (NAN)

Experts urge coordination to sustain West Africa’s health security gains
Foreign

Experts urge coordination to sustain West Africa’s health security gains

By Abujah Racheal

Prof. Benjamin Uzochukwu of the Department of Public Health, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), has called for stronger multi-sectoral coordination to sustain health security gains in West Africa.

Uzochukwu made the call at the opening of the 2nd ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference (ELFIC2025) on Monday in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

He was speaking on “Operationalising Multisector Coordination Mechanisms (MCM) for Greater Coordination of International Health Regulation (IHR) Implementation in West Africa”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some progress has been made since the 2019 Abuja conference on Lassa fever.

More diagnostic laboratories have been established across Nigeria, surveillance systems have been strengthened, and international research collaborations, including vaccine trials supported by CEPI and WHO are expanding.

In addition, Lassa fever has gained greater global visibility, having been designated as a WHO R&D Blueprint priority disease.

The professor reviewed the achievements of a regional health security project supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which integrated human, animal, and environmental health under the One Health framework.

He said that the project enhanced disease surveillance, strengthened laboratories, and promoted community-led reporting of human and animal health threats in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Similarly, Dr Chinyere Okeke, a lecturer at the Institute of Public Health, UNN, noted that funding gaps, procurement delays and the inability to retain personnel continue to threaten the sustainability of health security initiatives.

Okeke said that community participation was essential in order to mobilise residents for surveillance, risk communication and transparency in data sharing.

She said that strong institutions and flexible funding remain the backbone of health security, adding that domestic investment and coordination was also key to sustain the momentum.

Dr Monstapha Grorigui, Coordinator of the Regional Disease Surveillance Systems Enhancement (REDISSE) Project in Guinea, said the country successfully implemented the project, which began in January 2017, shortly after the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak.

Grorigui said that the project established five major laboratories for testing epidemic-prone diseases and performing genomic sequencing.

He said it also enhanced human and animal health capacities through Field Epidemiology Training Programmes at different levels.

He added that the project deployed a robust frontline surveillance platform, decentralised to community levels and integrated into multiple ministries, including Fisheries, Scientific Research and Vocational Education.

Further achievements, he said, included the formation of thematic working groups for surveillance, logistics and communication, as well as sustained support from WAHO to ensure results were linked to the wider regional health security framework.

He added that Guinea mounted a rapid response to COVID-19, mobilising 13.2 million dollars, and later supported vaccine procurement during the 2021 yellow fever outbreak.

He, however, acknowledged ongoing challenges such as the need for greater engagement of the Ministry of Environment, stronger participation of women in advanced training, and the sustainability of surveillance platforms across all sectors.

Mr Ali Sani, Director of Planning and Health Information at WAHO, said that sustained multisectoral collaboration among the ministries of Health, Agriculture and Environment is essential to strengthen disease surveillance and early warning systems.

Sani noted that while progress has been made in improving early warning systems through national action plans and evaluation exercises, several gaps remain and continuous efforts are needed.

He further stressed the importance of strengthening veterinary services, with technical support from WHO, to ensure their full contribution to One Health initiatives.

He urged countries to mobilise national resources alongside donor support and highlighted the role of structured dialogue, negotiation and ministerial meetings in fostering collaboration.

According to him, although the REDISSE project (2016–2023) laid the groundwork for One Health implementation, continuous effort is required to institutionalise these systems.

Mr Franck Berthe, Senior Livestock Specialist at the World Bank, described the anchoring of health security initiatives within ECOWAS and member states as a key achievement.

Berthe said the establishment of One Health platforms at regional and national levels had fostered coordination across sectors, while Field Epidemiology Training Programmes created a network of trained cohorts capable of working together across borders.

He also pointed to the institutional strengthening of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), adding that this served as a model of a National Public Health Institute, and highlighted the adoption of harmonised laboratory and biosecurity standards in 2017 and 2018.

He added that during the COVID-19, the region demonstrated its readiness to respond, with the Pasteur Institute becoming one of the first WHO-accredited testing centres.

He acknowledged, however, that many efforts remain donor-driven, that roles within One Health coordination have sometimes been unclear, and that the environmental sector remains largely absent, with veterinary services still under-resourced.

He recommended embedding project units within health ministries to promote ownership, linking prevention, preparedness and response rather than treating them separately, and aligning with continental strategies such as the Africa Health Strategy 2016–2030, the Africa CDC Strategy 2026 and the Africa Union’s New Public Health Order.

He also underlined the importance of viewing health security as an investment rather than a cost, stating that every dollar invested in health security yields an estimated return of 1.7 dollars in economic growth.

Meanwhile, Dr Olusegun Adeoye, a pharmacist and allied health expert, who moderated the session, said the One Health approach, though complex, is vital to balancing human, animal and environmental health priorities.

He stressed that institutionalising this approach was critical to preparing West Africa for future epidemics.

NAN recalls that in spite of these gains, many of the challenges identified in 2019 persist.

A licensed vaccine is still unavailable, diagnostic access remains uneven, and stigma and delayed presentation continue to hinder care.

Funding is still largely donor-driven rather than government-owned, while cross-border coordination and large-scale community-led interventions remain weak.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Army trains 174 NSCDC FCT personnel
Defence/Security

Army trains 174 NSCDC FCT personnel

Training

By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Nigerian Army Headquarters, Garrison, has trained 174 personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command on the use of modern security tools.

The one-week training exercise was themed “Enhancing Tactical Efficiency Through Modern Security Tools”.

Addressing the trainees on Monday in Abuja, Maj.-Gen. Maxwell Dangana, the Garrison Commander, urged them to uphold the knowledge and skills acquired by impacting positively on society.

Represented by Garrison Training Commander, Brig.-Gen. Ndareke Orok, he said the training was packaged to suit the NSCDC’s role in protecting lives and property.

“Knowledge not utilised will be lost, so beyond this training, utilise all you learnt here, so that the knowledge will remain with you,” he said.

In his remarks, the FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, Olusola Odumosu, said that the knowledge and skills acquired would boost personnel efficiency.

He said that knowledge acquired in areas of radio communication, map reading and interpretation, security signs and symbols, navigation, and drone operations would handy in operations.

Odumosu said that the training, organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Garrison headquarters, was apt and timely in addressing the security challenges bedevilling the country.

“As facilitators and training partners, I extend my deepest appreciation for imparting your knowledge and experience to our officers and men.”

He said that the training was a proactive move to efficiently sharpen personnel skills in line with the ever-evolving dynamics of security operations.

“The threats we face today are more complex and sophisticated than ever before, requiring not only courage and commitment but also the effective deployment of modern tools, knowledge and techniques.

“The skills acquired through this training will translate into stronger surveillance capacity, quicker response and improved protection of assets vital to our economic and social wellbeing.

“The training will also promote a surge in the arrests of vandals and other criminal elements within the FCT and its environs,” he said.

He commended the participants for their dedication, discipline, and resilience throughout the course.

Odumosu added that they have demonstrated readiness to adapt to new challenges and embrace innovation in service delivery.

He urged them to exhibit discipline, excellence, and tactical operational efficiency in winning the trust of Nigerians and ending the menace of public infrastructure vandalism in the FCT.

“You are now custodians of specialised knowledge and it is expected that you apply it with professionalism, discipline, and a strong sense of duty,” Odumosu said.

The training Chief Instructor, Capt. Lucky Tapre, said that the training programme has the potential to be a flagship training that would further boost the security operations of NSCDC personnel.

Tapre, however, said that the training was challenged by a shortage of materials and a short duration, as there was a need for a longer duration to enable in-depth study of the course outline.

On behalf of the trainees, Aloko Emmanuel, appreciated the FCT commandant and the trainers for their support in ensuring a successful training.

Emmanuel assured that the skills gained would be put to effective use and shared with other personnel.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that certificates of participation were presented to the officers and men of the command. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Nick Nicholas and Yakubu Uba

ECOWAS Lassa fever conference opens in Abidjan
Foreign

ECOWAS Lassa fever conference opens in Abidjan

By Rachael Abuja/Ismail Abdulaziz

The Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) Lassa Fever International Conference began Monday in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The four-day conference is organised by the West Africa Health Organisation (WAHO).

The theme of the conference is “Beyond borders: Strengthening Regional Cooperation to combat Lassa Fever and Emerging Infectious Diseases”.

Building on the first Lassa International Conference held in Abuja in 2019, this second edition will feature plenary sessions, panels, workshops, and research presentations.

It will also contribute to a regional roadmap focused on improving access to diagnostics, vaccines, and coordinated disease control efforts.

The LIC 2025 seeks to drive multi-sectoral collaboration and promote long-term solutions for Lassa fever and broader health security challenges.

The conference brings together regional and global stakeholders to advance research, enhance preparedness, and strengthen outbreak response across West Africa.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the first conference held in Abuja in 2019, marked fifty years since the Lassa fever virus was first isolated, in a town in Nigeria.

The opportunity created by the ‘anniversary’ of the discovery of the virus, is being used to bring researchers and practitioners from across the world together, to share and appraise global efforts towards the control of the Lassa fever virus disease.

Participants at that conference, underscored the importance of integrating human, animal, and environmental health perspectives for a comprehensive strategy to combat Lassa fever, which stems from the interconnectedness of these factors.
There were strong calls to action for increased research into all aspects of Lassa fever, including new diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines, with the aim of improving prevention, response, and control activities.
Participants also called on the need for enhances surveillance systems and laboratory capacity for timely and accurate Lassa fever diagnosis., among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
Dangote urges Africa to fill manufacturing gaps
General News

Dangote urges Africa to fill manufacturing gaps

By Nana Musa

President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has called on Africans to leverage on internal strengths and global opportunities to fill existing gaps, and adopt a deliberate re-orientation toward industrialisation of Africa’s manufacturing sector.

He said that this would serve as a panacea against the current global economic instability.

Dangote, who was represented by Mr Mansur Ahmed, made the call at the ongoing 4th Intra-African Trade Fair holding in Algiers, Algeria.

He also encouraged operators in the manufacturing and industrial sectors to embrace a fundamental shift in mindset and develop robust regional value chains and deepen intra-African trade.

Dangote noted that current geo-political tensions and trade wars have caused major economies to reevaluate their traditional trade partnerships with a view to diversifying their supply chains.

He also urged African exporters to benefit from the current process to fill the gap by competitively supplying the required products.

“I am glad to be here at the 4th Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF). I am immensely grateful to the organisers – not only for inviting me and giving me the opportunity to speak – but also for going a step further by dedicating this remarkable day to my organisation, Dangote Group. To have today officially set aside as Dangote Day is both an honour and a privilege.

“I thank the conveners – The African Export Import Bank, the African Union Commission and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat – for organising this event. We appreciate the invaluable contributions you have made and the excellent work you continue to do in promoting, facilitating, and deepening trade and investment across the continent.”

Speaking at the company’s Special Day, he said: “This year’s theme, “Gateway to New Opportunities,” resonates deeply as a powerful reminder of the huge potential and prospects that abound across the African continent.

“For too long Africa’s resources have been exported as primary commodities in their raw and unrefined state with limited domestic processing or beneficiation.

“There must be a fundamental shift in mindset and a deliberate re-orientation toward industrialisation and the development of Africa’s manufacturing sector. While this was always necessary in the past, it is even more urgent today, given the alarming rise in youth unemployment, and the need for sustainable, inclusive growth.”

Dangote said that the current geo-political tensions and trade wars have caused major economies to reevaluate their traditional trade partnerships with a view to diversifying their supply chains.

“African exporters could benefit if they can fill the gap by competitively supplying the required products.

“Furthermore, global instability has encouraged African nations to look inward and actively pursue greater regional self-reliance. This inward focus can catalyse the development of robust regional value chains and significantly deepen intra-African trade.

“At Dangote, we are very proud of our Afrocentric posture, driven by an unwavering commitment to the continent’s growth and industrial transformation.

“We have added value to limestone and created the largest cement company in sub–Saharan Africa with an aggregate cement production capacity of about 52MMtpa across 10 countries,” Dangote stated.

He added that the company’s 3MMtpa urea plant has contributed to the attainment of fertiliser self-sufficiency.

He said that Nigeria, which once solely reliant on imports, was now a net exporter of granulated urea to destinations in Africa as well as to South America, North America and Europe.

“More recently, we have witnessed the commencement of operation of Africa’s biggest oil refinery – also the world’s largest single-train facility, with a capacity of 650kbpd.

“This landmark project is gradually reducing the region’s long-standing dependence on imports of refined petroleum products, particularly from Europe, while also generating surplus for export to global markets.

“As Africa becomes more self-sufficient in energy it should reduce our vulnerability to external shocks and supply disruptions.

“Africa’s potential and prospects are immense. However, this potential will only be fully actualised if individual nations take deliberate steps to improve their business environment.

“Unlocking new economic opportunities requires the implementation of appropriate policy reforms, investment in infrastructure, and attractive sector wide incentives to facilitate the inflow of private capital” Dangote said.

The Dangote Special Day drew admirers and various attendees, various Business Units of the conglomerate such as Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar, Dangote Salt (NASCON), Dangote Fertiliser, Dangote Polypropylene, and Dangote Packaging.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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