By Justina Auta/Folasade Akpan

The Federal Government on Thursday in Abuja inaugurated three policy documents to improve vision and eye health in the country.

The inauguration was with support from Sightsavers Nigeria and other partners as part of activities to commemorate the 2023 World Sight Day.

Dr Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, said the policy documents and unveiling of the Refractive Error Initiative were part of government’s strategic guidelines to improve eye health in the country.

The documents included: The National Eye Health Strategic Development Plan (2024-2028); Diabetic Retinopathy Screening and Management Guideline; and the Nigeria Glaucoma Guidelines and Toolkit.

Alausa said about 24 million Nigerians were living with treatable sight loss, majorly caused by untreated cataract and uncorrected refractive errors, hence the initiatives would aide in addressing it.

He said: “These initiatives will build the foundations to deliver change across the life course.

“Access to eye health services for school children through school eye health programmes, establishing the potential to unlock learning for millions of children being held behind.

“Integration of eye health services into primary healthcare to ensure treatment of basic issues and delivery of spectacles, ensuring working age people and the elderly access timely treatment, and early detection and referral of those with cataracts.”

According to him, these interventions will be coordinated through the National Eye Health Programme (NEHP) in the ministry.

He added that the 3 to 4-year long-term road map to improve access to refractive error services to build capacity of personnel, improve population education, reduce the cost and strengthen surveillance would be implemented in collaboration with partners.

“This will be implemented by the NEHP in partnership with multiple stakeholders, expand training of primary health workers in eye health, provide key platform for the delivery and integration of eye care services.

“Development of a sustainable procurement and delivery process for spectacles by upgrading existing eye care departments one state at a time.

“A philanthropy component will dispense free glasses to the poor to be verified by social registers.

“A spectacle revolving system from a seed of donated glasses will provide subsidised glasses to other citizens,” he said.

Alausa added that the initiative was to strengthen the eye health system to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), empowering Nigerians to learn, earn and thrive.

Dr Oteri Okolo, the National Coordinator, NEHP Programme at the ministry, said about 1.3 persons in Nigeria were blind, hence the commitment to eye health activities through implementation of national policies, plans and guidelines for systematic implementation nationwide.

Okolo said the National Eye Health Strategic Development Plan (2024-2028) policy document represents the commitment of the government to the attainment of the highest quality of eye health for its people.

She explained that the diabetic retinopathy screening and management guideline was a framework critical to making the needed impact by increasing the opportunity for prevention and prompt treatment at early stages.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Glaucoma Guidelines and Toolkit outlines collective action, based on an integrated patient-focused model is meant to tackle Glaucoma in the country.

“Implementation of both guidelines by the NEHP will begin in a few weeks with an initial training of healthcare providers with funding and technical support from Novartis, Sightsavers and Glaucoma Net of the International Centre for Eye Health, London, through the Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, University of Abuja.

“We hope for full implementation and whole country scale up in the nearest future as government and the private sector increases investment in eye health.

“Government cannot do this alone. Quality services to tackle glaucoma should be present in all secondary and tertiary facilities while registers for all diabetic patients embedded with a call, re-call system for annual screening and scheduled treatment where indicated is the goal,” she said.

In his part, Dr Sunday Isiyaku, the Country Director at Sightsavers, emphasised the importance of eye health on the lives of individuals, families and communities, help nations to thrive, reduce poverty and inequality.

Isiyaku added that prioritising and investing in eye health will enable the country to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the Sustainable Development Goals and meaningful development.

He, therefore, pledged that Sightsavers would support the Federal Ministry of Health implement the national policies to improve vision and eye health of its citizens.

“The national eye health strategy is a roadmap to improving eye health services.

“This strategy is a guiding document to steer the direction of eye health for the next five years,” he said.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling by the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, as a Vision Champion. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

========

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Anambra Government has appealed for fresh intervention from the National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA), to tackle the challenge of flood in the state.

The Deputy Governor of Anambra, Chief Gilbert Ibezim, made the call when he visited the Director-General of NEMA, Malam Mustapha Ahmed in Abuja.

He said NEMA has played vital role in supporting the state in managing the growing impact and threats by loods hence the appeal for more support even as the water tides are rising in the state.

Ibezim, entended the appreciation of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to President Bola Tinubu for assisting the state through NEMA and also moves to strategise on flood preparedness and response in Anambra.

Giving insights on the flood-prone areas in the state and the potential risks associated with the rainy season, he called on proactive measures to mitigate flood-related disasters, protect lives, and safeguard property.

He said their was need to deploy resources, personnel, and equipment for effective flood response as well as a well-coordinated approach, early warning systems, and community engagement to enhance disaster preparedness and management in the state.

The deputy governor expressed their commitment to working closely with the agency to ensure the safety and resilience of the state’s communities during the flood season.

In his remark, Ahmed said the agency will surely look into the challenge in Anambra with the aim of preferring solutions to tackle the challenge.

“Your visit to NEMA is a significant moment and a practical display of efforts towards building a strong collaboration between Anambra state and NEMA on disaster risk management and building of community resilience

“This becomes more important in the face of significant disasters and crisis situations in Nigeria just as obtain in several countries of the world.

“Your excellency, we don’t pray for disasters to happen, yet disasters, crisis and emergency situations are part and parcel of societal revolution throughout the history of mankind,” he said.

Most disasters, Ahmed said, can be averted and mitigated with simple deliberate actions; avoid the dumping of refuse in waterways and drainages in our cities can reduce urban flooding drastically.

“We must rethink our environmental and ecological civilization to avoid potential disasters.

“Urban and regional planning must avoid allocating land and granting building permits along waterways,” among others to reduce floods.

Ahmed expressed NEMA’ commitment to working closely with the state government to ensure the safety and resilience of the state’s communities during the flood season. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

======

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Zubairu Idris

The Action Against Child Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants in Nigeria (A-TIPSOM), on Thursday organised a workshop to assess the Almajiri system and its impact on child trafficking in Northern Nigeria.

The word “Almajiri” is derived from the Arabic word “al-Muhajir”, which refers to a person who migrates from his home in quest for Islamic knowledge.

The workshop was also to explore ways to counter the trafficking and exploitation of the Almajiri school children in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that A-TIPSOM is a project funded by the European Union (EU), and implemented by Spain based International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies.

The workshop held in Katsina with the theme: “Countering the Trafficking of ‘Almajiri’ Child”, was in collaboration with Almajiri Child Right Initiative (ACRI) and the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL).

The Project Team Leader, Mr Federico Milan, represented by A-TIPSOM Technical Adviser, Mr Sani Dantuni-Bello, said the workshop was designed to address the complex issues surrounding the Almajiri system and its impact on child trafficking in the region.

“The primary goal of the workshop is to engage with relevant stakeholders, including state and non-state actors.

“To fulfill their obligations under the law in protecting and supporting Almajiri children, thereby reducing their vulnerability to trafficking, smuggling and improving their lives,” he said.

Milan added that the project would strengthen the capacity of local authorities, civil society organisations and communities to prevent and respond to cases related to Almajiri-related trafficking and smuggling.

He said that the aim was to raise awareness and understanding of the challenges posed by the Almajiri system and emphasise the potential benefits of its reform.

According to him, it will highlight the roles each community member can play in supporting the initiative.

“It is expected to establish a forum that will serve as a critical platform for fostering collaboration among stakeholders within the community.

“All with the common objective of reforming behaviors and improving the conditions of Almajiri children,” he said.

In his remarks, the NACTAL National President, Mr Abdulganiyu Abubakar, said that the interaction would help efforts in addressing the plight of Almajiri children.

According to him, this would be by making state and non-state actors to identify and protect the children from human traffickers.

He expressed the hope that the intervention would open doors for other partners to come in and assist.

Also speaking, Hajiya Baraka Suleiman, the ACRI Team Leader in Katsina State, said they had supported many Almajiri children, including sponsoring their education in formal schools.

NAN reports that the participants included government officials, representatives of security agencies, Civil Society Organizations, NAPTIP and relevant agencies, as well as Quranic school teachers, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

=========

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Adebola Adegoke

Sustainable development advocates in Nigeria have emphasised the need to strengthen institutions, collaborations and global partnerships to drive the actualisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

They made the call during the launch of the United Green Ambassadors Awards (UNGAA) on Thursday in Lagos.

The event had the theme: “Championing Change: Global Goals 2023 Success and SDG Impact.”

Dr Alex Akhigbe, Director, UNGAA, said that some of the challenges hindering the progress of the SDGs in Nigeria could be traced down to lack of priority, responsibility, and availability of leaders ready to drive the change.

“We need to set our priorities right as a nation, take responsibility for preserving the earth and not wait for someone else to do it.

“We also need to create enough awareness, as UNGAA is doing, to awaken the interest of others in joining the few making this change possible so we can begin to see rapid advancement,” Akhigbe said.

He said that the aim of UNGAA was to drive positive community actions through the praise, promotion, and recognition of sustainability champions.

“There are people and organisations who are committed to achieving various aspects of the SDGs. We have seen some improvement in access to education, reduction of infant mortality rate, and promotion of gender equality.

“This is one of the reasons why UNGAA thinks that the people making these things possible in rural towns and urban cities deserve to be celebrated.

“But there is still much work to be done economically in reducing the poverty rate and other key areas,” he said.

Akhigbe urged all stakeholders and individuals to actively participate in achieving the SDGs, saying “let’s leave no one behind”.

“We need all hands on deck in preserving this home called Earth and her most valued asset – people.

“There are various innovative, creative ways all stakeholders can give their voice and support to the actualisation of the SDGs and the time to do so is now.”

Dr Murtala Mohammed, Founder and Executive Director, System Strategy and Policy Lab, said that championing change for the implementation of the SDGs required dedication, collaboration and consistency.

According to him, some of the key challenges in the implementation include lack of standardised and reliable data, not choosing reasonable and enforceable goals to prioritise, weak constitutional capacity and lack of accountability.

These challenges, he noted, had led to poor governance and policy inconsistencies.

He listed strategies for achieving the SDGs to include raising awareness and advocacy, partnerships and collaboration, innovation and technology and data collection and monitoring.

Mohammed said that some other strategies are community mobilisation, capacity building, accountability and promotion of inclusivity.

“There is need to foster collaborations among governments, civil society, private sector, academia and international organisations.

“Partnerships will leverage resources, expertise and innovative solutions to address complex development challenges.

“Prioritise engagement with communities at the grassroots to understand their needs and concerns and use this information to guide policy decisions that address the challenges faced by ordinary citizens.

“Establishing a robust data collection and analysis system to monitor progress and inform evidence-based policymaking will enable targeted interventions and accountability in SDG implementation.

“Also, the government should develop a comprehensive communication strategy to ensure that initiatives, policies and achievements are effectively communicated to the public.

“For individuals, civil society and NGOs, identify key priority projects that align with government’s agenda and work closely with the relevant ministries and agencies to ensure their successful implementation within specified timelines,” Mohammed said.

Mr Femi Oye, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, SMEFunds, said the lack of commitment from state and non-state actors had stalled the progress of the actualisation of the SDGs in Nigeria.

According to Oye, for us to achieve the SDGs in the remaining seven years, we need to accelerate our efforts and emphasise partnerships and collaborations which is SDG 17.

“We also need to foster initiatives that can help mitigate impact of climate change and reduce our carbon emission for a more sustainable environment.

“In the past years, I have worked with women, individuals and organisations to help them translate their activities into quality carbon offset, recyclables and attract finances and impact funds.

“We need to look inward, take actions and make impact as individuals because everyone is a contributor towards the achievement of the SDG,” he said.

On his part, Dr Toyosi Craig, an energy management consultant, said that Nigeria needed to do more on SDG 7 which aims to ensure affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

Achieving this, he said, would translate to energy efficiency, access to electricity, socio-economic development and environmental impact. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

=======

Edited by Christiana Fadare

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Mrs Lilian Madueke, Chief Operating Officer, Kaizen Academy (Nigeria) Ltd., has called for a multi-pronged approach to fostering a culture of sound corporate governance within public sector institutions in Nigeria.

Madueke, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos, said the advice would address the disparity in adoption of sound corporate governance practices between private and public sectors.

“Robust corporate governance is not only crucial for the sustained growth and competitiveness of organisations, but also for the overall development of a nation.

“In this regard, the public sector, being a critical driver of national progress, can not afford to lag behind.

“A comprehensive and robust regulatory framework tailored to the specific needs of the public sector must be established,” she said.

Madueke said this framework should encompass guidelines, standards and codes of conduct explicitly outlining the responsibilities and obligations of public sector leaders, ensuring transparency, accountability and ethical behavior.

She added that to build capacity, public-sector officials and leaders should undergo rigorous training programmes on corporate governance principles.

“Workshops, seminars, and certifications should be offered to enhance their understanding of governance mechanisms and best practices.

“This will empower them to make informed decisions that align with national interests,” she said.

The Kaizen boss noted that effective governance required engagement with stakeholders, including citizens, civil society organizations and the private sector.

She said mechanisms for regular consultations and feedback loops could foster transparency, inclusivity and a sense of collective ownership in public sector decision-making processes.

She also emphasised the need for independent bodies tasked with monitoring and assessing governance practices within public sector institutions.

These bodies, Madueke said, should possess the authority to conduct audits, investigations and evaluations to ensure compliance with governance standards.

“Performance-based incentives for public sector officials should be introduced to motivate them to uphold governance principles.

“Recognising and rewarding individuals and teams that exhibit outstanding governance practices can create positive competition and drive continuous improvement.

“Nigeria must also leverage technology for transparency and accountability by implementing digital platforms for procurement, financial management, and public service delivery to minimise opportunities for corruption and enhance efficiency.

“A sustained public awareness campaign can educate citizens about the importance of sound corporate governance in the public sector.

“Informed citizens can demand greater accountability from their leaders, creating a demand-driven impetus for governance reform,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

=========
Edited by Christiana Fadare

By Justina Auta

The Federal Government on Thursday trained and disbursed laptops and other equipment to 138 female artisans and women with disabilities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Dr Asabe Vilita-Bashir, Director-General, Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), said 68 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and 70 female artisans were trained on ICT and mobile phones repairs within the territory.

According to her, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) now plays a major role in all aspects of lives and has revolutionised the way people live, work and interact.

“It is pertinent to note that no nation can fully develop to its utmost potential, without investing in education, empowerment and development of its citizenry, especially, women.

“I want to specifically thank President Bola Tinubu for his inclusive initiative aimed at ensuring that no one is left out in the scheme of things.

“And his desire to ensure that women take advantage of Information & Communication Technology so as to become active and productive,” she said.

While reiterating the commitment of the government in training and women empowerment, the MBNCWD boss urged the beneficiaries to extend the knowledge gained to others.

“We will continue to train and empower women and youths who form more than 70 per cent of the nation’s population so that they can become self-reliant and contribute their quota to the development of the nation.

“As a way to motivate all the participants, a brand-new laptop and stipend for transportation will be given to all the participants.

“It is our hope that the system will be put to best use. We will continue to support and track the progress of all the participants to ensure they succeed in their chosen fields.

“I urged you all to practice what you have learnt and to share this knowledge with others in your states,” he said.

Mr Johnson Morrison-Udobong, Director, ICT Department, MBNCWD, said the training had exposed participants to technology, which creates inclusiveness by integrating PWDs into the labour force.

“These trainers’ programmes were designed to expose participants to innovations in the ICT sector capable of transforming the lives of participants and making them become productive entrepreneur

“ICT is the catalyst that enables digital transformation, so the training helps bridge the digital gap in the society by providing digital skills and relevant ICT devices,” he said.

Morrison-Udobong, therefore, encouraged the participants to make judicious use of skills acquired, which would expose them to several opportunities.

Agatha Egwu, a beneficiary expressed appreciation to the MBNCWD for the training, which she said would impact on the lives of PWDs.

Egwu said, “We learnt a lot and I appreciate the FG for allowing PWDs to be included in this kind of training and I will earn a good living from the training.

“Before we started I didn’t even know how to operate a laptop and I have learnt a lot here and appreciate the free laptop device given to us all.”

Janet Alabede, another beneficiary said the exercise exposed PWDs to some of the assistive devices, which would enable them to communicate without much hindrances.

Alabede gave assurance that she would extend knowledge learnt to other PWDs, who did not participate in the training exercise. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==========

Edited by Abiemwense Moru/Julius Toba-Jegede

By Chinenye Offor

The Executive Director, Administration of Every Life Matters Foundation, Mr Benjamin Obasi, has urged parents to invest time in training their male children to become responsible adults.

He made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, in commemoration of the International Day of Girl-child.

Obasi said that the society had invested so much energy and time on training and educating the girl-child and neglecting the male child to become nuisance.

According to him, there will not be a girl-child abuse if the male child is properly educated on how to treat the opposite gender.

He added that proper education of the male child was key to achieving zero rape and abuse case in the society.

Obasi stressed the need for proper education of the male child, adding that the same energy channeled by parents to educate the girl-child should be replicated in the upbringing of the male child.

“You know parents keep telling the girl-child you have to be careful and do not allow any man to touch you in a certain manner, but failed to tell the male child that is not proper to touch a lady in a certain way.

“We will continue to face the girl-child abuse if we do not train the male child properly.

“I therefore call on all to invest in proper training of the male child in order to have a better society because if a male child is well trained abuse and rape cases will be minimised,” he said.

Obasi, however, enjoined the girl-child to always speak out when molested, adding that it is a right way to get justice.

According to him, telling the truth will always be the way out in confronting issues such as rape and abuse of cases.

He, however, called on the government to address issues of inequalities, adding that more participation of women in politics will help to better the living standard of the girl-child.

Obasi also called for respect of enactment of the 2003 girl-child right, noting that Nigeria still engages in child marriage which is against the Child’s Right Act.

“Marrying these girls out at a very young age affects them mentally and psychologically, which also makes them loose their confidence and deny them the opportunity to become better in the society.

“It is commonly said that a girl-child will become like her mother someday, so it is imperative for mothers to be good role models to their girl-child,” he said.

Obasi further called on stakeholders to embark on more sensitisation to educate the boy child to become better persons in the future.

He said educating the male would reduce the case of girl-child abuse by 50 per cent. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

===========
Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Muhammad Suleiman