News Agency of Nigeria
FOM trains 4,000 optometrists, equips 1,000 students
Health

FOM trains 4,000 optometrists, equips 1,000 students

By Aderogba George

The Family of Optometric Mentors (FOM) has trained no fewer than 4,000 optometrists over the past 10 years and equipped 1,000 students with advanced clinical skills aligned with global best practices.

This is revealed in a communiqué issued to journalists on Saturday in Abuja, following the group’s 10th anniversary celebration and 9th Annual General Meeting (AGM), which highlighted a decade of mentorship and professional development.

FOM, established on Oct. 4, 2014, began with five mentors in Abuja and has grown into a nationally recognised non-profit with chapters in more than 25 states and 100 trained mentors.

More than 50 aspiring mentors are currently undergoing certification, receiving training through hands-on mentoring, CPD workshops, internship programmes, and the “FOM Goes to School” outreach across optometry institutions nationwide.

The group’s mission of “making practice better” has led to measurable improvements in clinical competency and the standard of patient care delivered by optometrists across Nigeria.

Speaking at the AGM, FOM National Coordinator Dr Alwell Maduakolam, said mentorship was a powerful tool in reducing preventable blindness, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria.

He cited global data showing that 2.2 billion people were visually impaired, nearly half from preventable causes, stressing the impact of training optometrists at the primary eye care level.

Maduakolam said FOM’s mentorship framework covered 46 areas in optometric care, including advanced diagnostics like OCT, visual field analysis, binocular vision, ocular therapeutics, and low vision rehabilitation.

“These free training sessions are delivered by expert mentors through experiential learning, many of whom are now internationally recognised for their excellence in clinical practice and education.

“FOM has received strong institutional support from the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) and the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN).”

He said the leadership of past and present NOA Presidents and ODORBN Registrar Dr Obinna Awiaka, had played a key role in supporting the organisation’s growth and impact.

The 10th anniversary also honoured FOM’s founding members, including Dr Felix Olafisoye, known as the “Great Grand Mentor,” and Dr Damian Echendu, a former NOA President.

FOM hailed the dedication of volunteer mentors who had contributed their time, expertise, and resources to produce skilled and globally mobile optometrists, with more than 20 now practising abroad.

Looking ahead, the group unveiled a bold vision for its second decade, including launching the FOM Online Academy offering virtual Africa-focused optometry modules for continuous learning and development.

Plans also include establishing a state-of-the-art FOM clinical training academy, publishing a bi-monthly journal, and expanding its outreach to more optometry institutions nationwide.

FOM aims to become a fellowship-awarding institution in key subspecialties such as paediatric optometry, contact lens practice, and glaucoma care, among others.

With a clear mission to drive professional development and raise clinical standards, FOM sees itself as a movement shaping the future of inclusive, high-quality optometric care in Nigeria. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Nigeria, NBA member states move to restore groundwater
Environment

Nigeria, NBA member states move to restore groundwater

By Akpan Glory

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) says member countries of the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) stand to benefit from its collaboration with the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) on the International Transboundary Aquifer System (ITAS) project.

Mr Umar Mohammed, Director-General of NiHSA, said this in Abuja at the Regional Workshop on Sharing Experiences and Best Practices in the Management of Groundwater Resources.

He explained that the project was helping to restore groundwater levels in the Sokoto Rima Basin in northwestern Nigeria.

He added that the lessons learned could be scaled up across the Niger Basin, which stretches across nine West and Central African countries.

According to him, one of NiHSA’s core mandates is to monitor and manage transboundary waters, including surface and underground aquifers shared with neighbouring countries.

Mohammed said groundwater levels in the Sokoto Basin had declined sharply following the deflection of a river, a development that forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands.

He noted that collaboration with OSS had produced encouraging results.

“We have gone about 80 to 90 percent down the project, and we have started to see the groundwater being recharged.

“The level now is moderate. Even though it’s rainy season now, we wouldn’t really be sure of the river, but I’m sure after the rainy season, we’ll be able to see some remarkable recharge in those groundwater,” he said.

On climate change-related water challenges, Mohammed said water transfer was feasible and already being tested in Nigeria, with potential for replication in other NBA countries experiencing water stress.

“Yes, very, very feasible. Actually, as we speak now, we’re trying to do a pilot project with Niger State Government towards this water transfer to the water stress areas from the water log areas.

“We are working on that, and we’ve done the studies, so now we have to see to strategise the implementation of that. So it’s very, very possible,” he said.

Mohammed added that the Sokoto River had changed course due to environmental and climate factors.

“So that was why the river took a different course, and we are now reversing it back to its natural course, which naturally the groundwater will be recharged,” he said.

On the prospects for farmers during the dry season, he said the agency had already recorded remarkable changes in groundwater recharge.

He added that NiHSA was looking forward to farmers returning to their farmlands during the dry season.

Earlier, Ms Soumaya Mouhli, a water expert at OSS, said the ITAS study addressed pandemic-related and environmental risks, including reduced water availability, declining quality and climate change impacts.

She said modelling revealed strong interactions between the Niger River and underground aquifers, which directly concern all NBA member states.

“Findings showed that the Niger River feeds aquifers with about 35 million cubic metres of water per year, while the aquifers replenish local rivers with about 650 million cubic metres annually.

“This demonstrates the significant exchanges between surface and groundwater,” she said.

Mouhli added that the study mapped pollution risks and identified options for water transfer to remote communities, while also proposing certification tools to ensure timely responses to pollution threats.

Also lProf. Murtala Abubakar, a member of the Inter-Ministerial and Scientific Committee of the ITAS Project, said the initiative was critical to groundwater management not just in Nigeria but across the Niger Basin.

He said the project targeted improved management in the southern Basin, especially the Sokoto Basin, which he described as fragile and climate-vulnerable.

“By ensuring continuous flow within the Sokoto River, we can secure steady groundwater recharge and reliable water supply for communities,” Abubakar said.

He stressed that most inhabitants of the region were farmers who depended on groundwater for irrigation.

“Improving groundwater recharge will restore farmlands, enhance agricultural productivity, and improve the livelihoods of the people,” he added.

Abubakar disclosed that the project had an initial budget of 200,000 dollars, which had been utilised, while discussions were ongoing for the release of a second tranche.

The ITAS project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and executed by the OSS.

It is expected to boost NBA member countries’ capacity to tackle groundwater challenges, enhance food security and build climate resilience. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

FG begins distribution of N2.9bn free maternal, neonatal health commodities
Health

FG begins distribution of N2.9bn free maternal, neonatal health commodities

By Tolu Aiyegbusi

The Federal Government has begun distributing free Maternal and Neonatal Health (MNH) commodities worth N2.9 billion nationwide, aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Abuja on Monday, Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), said the interventions target preventable deaths.

Aina stressed that the initiative forms part of government’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare for women and children, and reducing maternal mortality nationwide.

He explained that the commodities are designed to deliver high-impact interventions across Primary Health Care facilities in selected states, starting with ten states facing the highest mortality burden.

“The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of safeguarding the lives of women and children,” Aina stated.

He said the intervention aims to bridge critical healthcare gaps, adding that states are encouraged to sustain and expand the initiative in their operational frameworks.

Aina explained that the programme initially targets 80 Local Government Areas with the highest maternal health risks, while commodities will be provided to mothers and children free of charge.

According to him, distribution is zonal, with 60 per cent allocated to the Northwest, 34 per cent to the Northeast, while North Central and Southeast share the remainder.

He added that the intervention includes strengthening PHC facilities, upgrading infrastructure, and training health workers alongside commodity distribution.

National Coordinator of the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII), Dr Dayo Adeyanju, said the intervention would bolster PHC service delivery and reduce preventable deaths.

Adeyanju emphasised that the campaign highlights the importance of MNH, fostering collaboration between national, state, and local health authorities, alongside support from development partners.

He applauded the FG’s interventions in maternal and child health, urging state governments to commit resources and integrate MNH programmes into their annual operational plans for sustainability.

“Too many women die needlessly from preventable causes. Even one avoidable death is too many,” Adeyanju declared.

He said the distribution officially marks government’s renewed commitment to drastically cut maternal and neonatal mortality across Nigeria.

World Health Organisation (WHO) representative, Dr Mary Brantwo, reaffirmed WHO’s support for Nigeria’s healthcare delivery, stressing that maternal health data will now be tracked annually to measure progress.

Representatives of UNICEF, UNFPA, and the Gates Foundation also pledged continued support, commending government’s efforts towards improving maternal health nationwide.

The distributed items include delivery packs, antenatal drugs, supplements, insecticide-treated mosquito nets, family planning materials, and essential medicines for maternal and neonatal care. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

NSE inaugurates Ibeju-Lekki branch to deepen support for industrial corridor
General News

NSE inaugurates Ibeju-Lekki branch to deepen support for industrial corridor

By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) on Saturday inaugurated its Ibeju-Lekki Branch to strengthen professional development and provide engineering support for Nigeria’s fast-growing industrial corridor.

 

The President of NSE, Mrs Margaret Oguntala, said at the inauguration that it marked the expansion of the NSE’s reach, bringing together engineers from different corners of Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the branch is the 91st of NSE.

The event featured launching of N500 million for contruction of the branch’s secretariat and purchase of a bus for the branch.

It also featured awards giving to deserving personalities.

Oguntala said that establishment of the branch was to address professional needs of engineers in the area in terms of convenience and accessibility.

She noted that Ibeju-Lekki had become one of the rapidly-developing areas of Lagos State, with urbanisation, infrastructure development and industrial growth.

She said the NSE, Ibeju-Lekki Branch, would provide a dedicated platform for local engineers to engage in professional development, attend technical seminars, and collaborate on projects vital for the growth of the engineering profession.

 

“It will also serve as a space to foster innovation and inspire young engineers, offering them more localised and efficient means of staying at the forefront of industrial growth.

 

” I assure you of the full support of the NSE headquarters, and we will work hand-in-hand with the Ibeju-Lekki Branch to provide guidance, resources and assistance in achieving its goals,” she said.

 

The Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Mr Abdullahi Olowa, described branches as wings which propelled and spread the values of an organisation.

 

Olowa said that the inauguration was timely and significant, particularly as the area had, in recent years, assumed a pride of place in Nigeria’s industrial and economic landscape.

 

He said that, with the establishment of the Lekki Free Zone and the Lagos Free Zone, the corridor had witnessed a rapid influx of manufacturing, industrial and maritime businesses.

 

“Naturally, these developments have drawn a large pool of engineers and other professionals, making the formation of a local NSE branch here both necessary and inevitable.

 

“I have no doubt that the leadership of this new branch will work tirelessly to grow its membership, provide valuable services, and create opportunities that will uplift the profession and its practitioners in this region,” he said.

 

The pioneer Chairman of the Ibeju-Lekki Branch of NSE, Mr Olufemi Dare, said that the establishment of the branch was a strategic response to the realities and responsibilities presented by the rapid transformation of Ibeju-Lekki into an industrial hub of Nigeria.

 

Dare said that, in the last one year, the branch had recorded significant milestones, including technical visits to strategic industrial hubs and projects, meetings, and driving robust membership campaigns.

 

He said that engineers were not just participants, but strategic enablers in the current global era of rapid development.

 

He said that engineers had the responsibility to ensure that infrastructure would meet the needs of the future without compromise.

 

“Whether in energy, housing, transportation, or environmental stewardship, engineers must lead in building a new Lagos founded on sustainable planning, responsible execution, and lasting impact.

 

“The inauguration of this branch establishes a beacon of engineering leadership and community impact in one of Nigeria’s most economically-strategic corridors.

 

“By the grace of God, I shall, with the support of other new executive committee members, collaborate with all members of the branch to ensure that the principles of excellence, innovation and inclusiveness are upheld at all times,” he said.

 

Dare pledged to the host communities that the branch would e responsible partners in development, in which skills of the community members would be applied to support infrastructure, youth empowerment and public progress.

 

Mr Kunle Adebajo, Chairman, Ovie Arup and Partners Nigeria Ltd., described engineers as “architects of possibility”, stressing the need to leverage technology for sustainable development.

 

Adebajo said that engineers must deploy Internet of Things solutions to address challenges such as traffic control, flood resilience, emissions and others in line with the realities of the region.

 

He said that Lagos must be positioned as a flagship city for Nigeria, future-ready and globally competitive.

According to him, the advantage of the present era lies in the availability of technology and innovation, which can be adapted rather than re-invented.

 

Adebajo urged that design and planning should adopt a circular approach where end-of-life of materials would not mean waste, but opportunities for re-use.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 25 persons, including business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, received awards of excellence for contributions to engineering and the development of Nigeria.

 

Dangote received global award for exceptional industrial leadership and outstanding economic development.

Mr Demola Aladekomo was given the engineering innovation and mentorship award, while Mrs Margaret Oguntala, received global transformational leadership award.

Mrs Adesuwa Ladoja got the distinguished award for excellence in business collaboration, economic development and human empowerment. (NAN)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

FG disburses N192bn to strengthen primary healthcare
Health

FG disburses N192bn to strengthen primary healthcare

By Abujah Racheal

The Federal Government says it has disbursed more than N192 billion to strengthen primary healthcare facilities across Nigeria since the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) began disbursements in 2019.

Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Aina spoke against the backdrop of the recent National Health Financing Policy Dialogue.

NAN reports that the dialogue, with the theme, “Reimagining the Future of Health Financing in Nigeria” was organised by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and partners.

It sought to reimagine financing models that make healthcare more equitable, sustainable, and accessible for all Nigerians.

Aina said that currency fluctuations and rising service costs continued to strain Nigeria’s health system, even as budget allocations are increasing at both federal and state levels.

He said that out-of-pocket expenditure still accounted for a disproportionate share of healthcare spending, with the public sector’s contribution at just 14 per cent.

According to him, the government has mobilised N3.5 billion, 60 per cent of which is pooled from mechanisms such as the BHCPF, Global Fund, Gavi, and PEPFAR.

He said that the fund was mobilised through the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) and the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

Aina said that 8,309 facilities nationwide now received quarterly funds under the BHCPF.

“Allocations were recently scaled up from an average of N300,000 to between N600,000 and N800,000 per quarter, depending on facility size and patient volume.

“The reform, dubbed BHCPF 2.0, is designed to address real operational costs at the facility level, supporting human resources, essential commodities and infrastructure.

“Even though budget allocations are growing, the cost of healthcare delivery, vaccines, TB medicines, malaria commodities, and operational programmes is rising even faster,” he said.

He expressed government’s commitment to closing existing financing gaps through stronger co-financing at the federal, state and local government levels, coupled with performance-based accountability measures.

He said that the Federal Government was set to roll out a direct funding mechanism across the country to improve accountability in healthcare spending.

“The model, already piloted in four to five states, allows payments for commodities and health worker salaries to be made directly into designated accounts, making the process transparent and traceable.

“These are the sorts of things we are trying to do to ensure that funds reach their targets without leakages,” he said.

The NPHCDA boss also said that government’s analysis showed that between 15 per cent and 25 per cent of non-campaign vaccines in Nigeria cannot be accounted for.

He said that the losses could stem from wastage, inaccurate population estimates, procurement inefficiencies or weaknesses in vaccine management systems.

He said that further state-level analysis was underway to close the accountability gap.

Aina said that the Federal Government was investigating discrepancies in vaccine utilisation across several sub-national units, with some reportedly consuming up to four times more vaccines than their recorded coverage rates.

He said that while border states may vaccinate non-Nigerian citizens, the scale of discrepancies points to deeper issues of accountability, wastage or faulty forecasting.

“We are now telling states to go down to the local government level, identify where the problems are and fix them,” he said.

He said that through efficiency measures, the government had reduced projected vaccine procurement costs for the next five years from 1.5 billion dollars to one billion dollars, ensuring smarter spending of limited resources. (NAN)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Kadiri Abdulrahman

Nigeria, Brazil celebrate culture with Akara-Acarajé festival
Sports

Nigeria, Brazil celebrate culture with Akara-Acarajé festival

By Victor Okoye

Organisers of the Akara Festival in Nigeria and the Acarajé Festival in Brazil are partnering to promote Afro-Brazilian and Afro-Nigerian heritage through culture, cuisine, and fitness.

The Akara Festival, led by Fitnesstalkshow Communications, will hold from Oct. 16 to Oct. 19 at the Elekahia Stadium, Port Harcourt, as part of the World Food Day celebrations.

The four-day event will feature culinary competitions, music, dance, traditional games and exhibitions.

It will also showcase Ankara fashion, cultural immersion, and entertainment.

Mr Soye Elekima, President of the Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation of Nigeria (ABBFN) and representative of the IFBB Academy in Nigeria, is spearheading the Nigerian leg of the festival.

He said the Akara-Acarajé partnership reflects the long-standing cultural and historical connections between Nigeria and Brazil.

“This collaboration is not just about food or fitness. It is a celebration of our shared African roots, our fashion, our music, and our health.

“It is also in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and stems directly from the recent bilateral agreements signed with Brazil, ”Elekima said.

A major highlight of the festival is the SHAPE UP Nigeria 30×30 Fitness Challenge, which runs from Oct. 1 to Oct. 30.

The challenge encourages Nigerians to engage in 30 minutes of exercise daily for 30 days, promoting healthy living while showcasing Akara as a nutritious and culturally significant food.

Fitness Talkshow Communications Ltd is also engaging food producers and distribution companies as sponsors and vendors.

Cultural components of the festival include joint culinary exhibitions, Ankara fashion displays, music and art from both countries.

Ankara prints, known for their vibrant colours and bold designs, will be used in décor, clothing and even food packaging.

The cultural initiative aligns with the five Memoranda of Understanding signed during President Tinubu’s recent visit to Brazil.

The agreements cover aviation, trade, energy, culture, and science and technology.

A key outcome of the visit was the signing of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, enabling direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil for the first time in decades.

Both President Tinubu and his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, called the move a gateway to deeper cooperation in tourism, culture, and commerce.

Elekima called for support from the private and public sectors, philanthropists, well-meaning Nigerians, corporate bodies and institutions to sponsor and participate in the event.

“For sponsorship, participation, or enquiries about the Akara Festival or Shape Up Challenge, call 08029707735 or 09167773831,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Special Report: Nigerian boxing legacy stalled by poor funding, weak structures
Sports

Special Report: Nigerian boxing legacy stalled by poor funding, weak structures

By Babatunde Ogunrinde

Nigeria’s boxing history is rich with champions who commanded global respect, from Dick Tiger’s legendary reign in the 1960s to Samuel Peter’s brief heavyweight dominance.

 

More recently, names such as Anthony Joshua, Efe Ajagba and Elizabeth Oshoba have ensured Nigeria’s presence in world boxing, although often while representing dual nationalities outside the country.

 

In spite of these successes, fans and stakeholders say domestic boxing remains in a worrying state. They argue that financial realities and weak structures are stifling the sport’s development.

 

The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) has sanctioned more fights in recent years, yet fighter earnings remain painfully low compared with international standards.

 

Ajagba-.jpg.webp

 

Rafiu Ladipo, President of the NBB of C, admitted that while promoters have helped revive the sport, Nigerian fighters still earn “far less than their peers abroad.”

 

He maintained that Nigerian boxers have world-class abilities, proven over decades. For him, the issue is not talent but the absence of financial investment and supportive governance structures.

 

Promoter Bernard Otunola of Unboxx Promotions explained that boxing development anywhere relies heavily on promoters. In Nigeria, however, promoters struggle with sponsorship, broadcasting, and international connections.

 

He contrasted Nigeria’s struggles with global markets. “In London or New York, even third-tier promoters guarantee television slots and secure sponsorships. In Nigeria, even title fights lack weight.”

 

Otunola noted that streaming deals and sponsorships in other countries deliver consistent five- or six-figure purses. Nigerian fighters rarely receive such opportunities or financial recognition for their skills.

 

Broadcasting remains a major weakness. Domestic bouts rarely receive airtime on local channels, and when they do, poor production quality discourages both viewers and international broadcasters from showing interest.

 

Without television rights, boxing in Nigeria depends heavily on modest ticket sales. With small venues and low ticket prices, income remains insufficient to sustain fighters.

 

Football further complicates matters. Corporate sponsors in Nigeria focus overwhelmingly on football, leaving boxing sidelined and fighters without endorsements or stable income beyond fight-night purses.

 

Sports analyst Emma Jemegah criticised managers of Nigerian boxers, saying they negotiate from desperation rather than strength. This weakens their bargaining power internationally and limits financial gains.

 

He added that in Europe, even regional promoters attract small business sponsorships — beer brands, gyms, or clothing lines. Nigerian fighters rarely enjoy such supplementary financial support.

 

Jemegah also raised issues of perception. He suggested that suspicions about African athletes’ ages, coupled with subtle racial bias, undermine opportunities for Nigerian boxers seeking global contracts and fights.

 

Sports broadcaster Tayo Ogunseye identified governance and sponsorship as key problems. He said promotions remain unstable, despite attempts by outfits like Flykite and Yucateco Boxing Promotions to build the sport.

 

He emphasised that boxing thrives on glamour and star power. Creating heroes and role models could inspire new talent, but Nigeria has failed to establish such systems.

 

Television and streaming rights, Ogunseye argued, are central to boxing’s success elsewhere. Even fifth-tier promoters in Asia secure broadcaster deals, ensuring fighters earn respectable purses for low-profile bouts.

 

In contrast, Nigerian fighters depend on inconsistent promotions with limited financial backing. This leaves them unmotivated and often seeking opportunities abroad rather than investing in domestic careers.

 

Ogunseye stressed that professional bodies must prioritise boxers’ welfare. Instead of focusing on income from bouts, federations should invest in scouting and grooming talents across the country.

 

He argued that consistent monitoring, grassroots tournaments, and regional scouting could create a pipeline of talent. Without it, Nigeria risks losing potential champions before they are discovered.

 

Stakeholders agree that Nigeria’s problem is not talent. From Tiger to Joshua, Nigerian boxers have always shown they can compete and triumph at the highest level.

 

What holds them back is a lack of funding, poor governance, and the absence of commercial structures that sustain boxing in successful markets around the world.

 

Boxers in Asia, Europe and America enjoy support from sponsorships, broadcasting, endorsements and merchandising. Nigerian fighters, however, depend solely on small purses and unstable local promotions.

 

Unless deliberate reforms are introduced, Nigeria risks wasting its boxing potential. The country has champions-in-waiting, but without structure, they remain trapped in mediocrity.

 

The nation that once produced global boxing legends is now struggling to keep its fighters afloat. Nigerian boxing continues to punch, but painfully below its weight. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

AMAC conducts free diabetes, hypertension screening
Health

AMAC conducts free diabetes, hypertension screening

By Philomina Attah

The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) on Saturday provided free medical screening for diabetes and hypertension to residents at the Garki Village Primary Health Centre, Abuja.

Dr Anthony Orji, Chief Medical Officer, Pharma Healthcare Department, AMAC, said the exercise, sponsored by AMAC Chairman, Mr Christopher Maikalangu, was impactful and received positive feedback from patients.

He noted that free screening is part of AMAC’s efforts to enhance healthcare delivery and promote healthy living across the council’s communities.

By detecting diabetes and hypertension early, AMAC aims to reduce complications and improve the overall well-being of its citizens.

“The screening identifies people with diabetes and hypertension, offers counselling, and refers diagnosed patients to Primary Health Care Centres for treatment,” Orji told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The exercise featured random and fasting blood sugar tests, blood pressure checks, and BMI measurements to assess risk factors among residents.

Orji said AMAC operates 15 centres for treating uncomplicated hypertension and five centres dedicated to diabetes care.

He emphasised the need for more health workers to manage AMAC’s growing population and urged upgrades of additional facilities into treatment centres.

“Preliminary results reveal a high prevalence of diabetes (40 per cent) and hypertension (50 per cent) among participants. Final figures will be released later,” he said.

Follow-up treatment for hypertension will be free, while diabetes treatment will receive subsidies, according to Orji.

Mrs Monica Jacob, Officer-in-Charge of the facility, praised the outreach, saying it encouraged people who rarely visit hospitals to discover hidden health problems like high blood pressure.

She added that the facility had recently benefited from an NGO outreach, which provided health talks on nutrition and pregnancy, well-received by the community.

Jacob cited irregular water and power supply as major challenges, noting that solar power does not provide 24-hour electricity.

She appealed for a generator or larger solar system.

She also called on donors and partners to continue their support, stressing that their contributions have significantly helped both the facility and the community.

Mr Emeka Mbanusi, Head of Information and Public Relations, AMAC, said the outreach reflected the Chairman’s campaign pledge to deliver healthcare services at the grassroots level.

He urged Garki residents and surrounding communities to utilise the free medical programme to monitor their health status and seek early treatment where necessary.

Mbanusi recalled that similar outreaches had been conducted in Kurudu, Jiwa, Gidan Mangoro, Apo Resettlement, Lugbe, Kar, and Kabusa communities since Maikalangu assumed office.

He assured residents that the Chairman planned to extend the programme to all 12 political wards of the council, with continued support for healthcare initiatives.

Some beneficiaries said the screening brought hope to Garki Village and urged sustained support for essential healthcare services through the facility.

Malam Abubakar Umaru, a 60-year-old retiree, thanked AMAC for the screening. After being diagnosed with high blood pressure, he stressed the importance of regular medical checks.

He appealed for monthly screenings, describing the programme as life-saving and crucial for preventing sudden deaths caused by undetected conditions. (NAN)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/ Kamal Tayo Oropo

IFAD-LIFE-ND gets extension with additional financing
General News

IFAD-LIFE-ND gets extension with additional financing

By Felicia Imohimi

The International Fund for Agricultural Development- Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in Niger Delta(IFAD-LIFE-ND),  says it has secured additional financing of 32 million dollars to expand the project across six states in the Niger Delta.

Dr Abiodun Sanni, National Project Coordinator (NPC) of the Federal Government/IFAD-LIFE-ND project,  said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday.

Sanni said the additional financing was approved by the Federal Government and IFAD, adding that the implementation of the fund would commence latest at teh end of September.

The NPC identified the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) as the lead implementation agency while the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is a co-lead implementation agency.

He said the project  which will span through three years would be implemented in six states of Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Ondo.

According to him, it is targeting the establishment of over 13,000 young agro entrepreneurs while also providing business development support services to over 51,000 existing farmers.

Giving an appraisal of the project  impacts in the past five years, Sanni said that over 26,470 farmers have benefitted in the  six Niger Delta states and have contributed significantly supporting the national  food systems.

“The NDDC is funding LIFE-ND project implementation in  Akwa Ibom, Imo and Rivers. So far, over 4,000 beneficiaries from these additional three states have been engaged.

“We are moving at a fast tempo and  in the next two years, we will have over 12,750 direct beneficiaries who  are youths and women in the region that have benefited substantially from LIFE-ND project courtesy of NDDC support.

“At the end we will be targeting over 110,000 direct beneficiaries  across the nine Niger Delta states,”he said.

NAN reports that IFAD-LIFE-ND project goal is to create job and wealth opportunities for rural youth and women through sustainable agribusiness in the Niger Delta region.

It is implemented by IFAD in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria and  NDDC.

The project’s focus is to support agribusiness activities in value chains such as cocoa, rice, fisheries cassava, oil palm, plantain, and poultry, utilising an incubator model to provide training and support.(NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

NANPF urges league bodies to prioritise safety, fan experience
Sports

NANPF urges league bodies to prioritise safety, fan experience

By Victor Okoye

The Nigeria Association of National Professional Footballers (NANPF) has urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and league organisers to prioritise safety and fan experience at domestic match venues.

It made the appeal on Saturday in Abuja, citing the need to improve security and inclusivity at all levels of Nigerian football.

The call was directed at the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), and Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO).

CSP Chijioke Kalu, Director of Player Safety and Security at NANPF, said recent crowd incidents had exposed critical gaps in matchday safety.

“The disturbing incident during the Rangers vs. Enyimba match in Enugu must not happen again,” Kalu said.

He urged a shift from reactive measures to proactive safety planning at all league levels.

Kalu called on clubs, stadium operators, and league officials to prioritise the needs of children, women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“Every fan, regardless of age or ability, should feel safe and respected at our stadiums,” he said.

NANPF recommended visible signage to guide spectators, including child-friendly zones and family seating.

Kalu also proposed safety instructions in local languages to aid understanding among all fan groups.

He advocated the use of mobile technology to improve navigation, emergency response, and accessibility on matchdays.

“Technology should improve not just ticketing, but also emergency access and fan support,” he said.

Kalu urged clubs to partner with the Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, and emergency services before, during, and after matches.

He recommended regular pre-match briefings, simulation drills, and coordinated emergency plans.

“Every club, regardless of location, must take full responsibility for fan safety,” he said.

He noted that some stadiums, such as the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, have met acceptable standards.

However, he stressed that rural and urban venues across the leagues must be upgraded.

“It’s not enough to have a few world-class venues. Fans in every city deserve safety and dignity,” he said.

To reduce congestion, NANPF called for the deployment of trained volunteers and matchday stewards at stadium entry and exit points.

These personnel, he said would assist vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, PWDs, and elderly fans.

“Creating a safe matchday experience is everyone’s responsibility,” Kalu added.

He reaffirmed NANPF’s commitment to working with clubs and local authorities to eliminate violence and poor crowd control at match venues.

“Our leagues must not be defined by chaos but by professionalism and fan care,” he said.

NANPF’s recommendations are part of its ongoing League Safety and Inclusion Campaign, which aims to improve matchday conditions across Nigeria’s football landscape. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

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