NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Hospital introduces robotic surgery to prostate management procedures
Health

Hospital introduces robotic surgery to prostate management procedures

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By Vivian Ihechu

As part of its expertise in minimally invasive procedures particularly for prostates, Kelina Hospital is set to introduce Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP)- robotic surgery.

The Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Celsus Undie, made the assertion during a media briefing in Lagos on Friday.

L-R: Dr Vincent Obiwuru , Consultant Anaesthetist;  Dr Bertin Njinou,Consultant Urologist;  Dr Celsus Undie, Consultant Urologist and President of Kelina Hospital; Erica  Idoko, Corporate Relations Manager, Kelina Hospital Lagos, during a news conference on Friday, April 18, 2025.

 

Undie noted that April 2025 was a milestone in Kelina Hospital as the facility marked the feat of  6,000 surgical operations since inception in 2008.

“So, this month, April, we are marking a milestone in our range of achievements, particularly concerning one of the commonest surgeries we do at Kelina Hospital, known as HoLEP.

“Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HolEP).

“Also, Kelina Hospital marks 500 HoLEP surgeries in six years. Kelina was the first hospital to do HoLEP in Nigeria in 2018.

“We’re introducing robotic surgery as well.

“They’re basically the same, just that in the case of robotic surgery, we use the robots to move the equipment in the body.’’

Undie noted that HoLEP  is done for enlarged prostate obstructing urine flow.

“If obstruction is significant and is not relieved, it could damage the kidney, among other damages that it could cost, some of them life-threatening.

“HoLEP  is superior to TURP or Open  Prostate surgery  as patients lose less blood, spend less time on catheters, spend less time on hospital admission , recover faster  and return to work earlier.

“The American Urological Association and the European Association of Urology both recommend HoLEP  as the best for prostates that are more than 80 to 100g in size.

“Patients who cannot pass urine and are catheterised  are advised never to carry their catheters for several weeks before prostate surgery, as  this causes  a lot of complications including infection’’.

He expressed happiness that Dr Bertin Njinou Ngninkeu,  a robotic surgeon, was joining the team.

According to him, Ngninkeu is a regular surgeon with the hospital, licensed to practice in Nigeria, and licensed by the American Medical Council to be with them.

Undie said it was disturbing that many Nigerians travelled abroad for even minor procedures.

He affirmed that Kelina hospital was equipped to offer similar health care services at even more affordable cost.

He encouraged Nigerians to seek treatment at Kelina Hospital instead of traveling abroad for routine procedures.

“We offer comparable, if not superior, care with advanced technology right here in Nigeria.”

“It is disheartening to see people fly abroad for routine procedures like appendectomy, hernia repair, lipoma excision, or prostate biopsy.

“These are procedures that typically take less than an hour.

“Travelling 12 hours for such minor surgeries not only reflects poorly on us, but it also exposes patients to unnecessary risk.

“Several patients have returned from overseas with complications, including infections, after minor procedures like prostate biopsy.

“We are just introducing new technology’’.

Erica Idoko, Head of Corporate Relations, Kelina Hospital, said staff and surgeons working in the hospital were periodically sent for training across the world to ensure the best knowledge and expertise is gained to give better health services to the public.

According to Idoko, the hospital also gives room for partnership with surgeons from around the world as long as they are licensed to operate in Nigeria

Dr Bertin Ngninkeu,  a  Urologist, emphasised the increasing prevalence of prostate cancer among black men globally, citing genetic factors as a primary reason.

Ngninkeu, a Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgeon, emphasised  the importance of early detection through Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood tests starting at age 40 for individuals with risk factors, such as a family history of prostate cancer.

According to him, timely diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes.

He also highlighted the benefits of good nutrition and said that people should consume food items like broccoli, cucumber, garlic, green tea, and cooked tomatoes, to help in cancer prevention.

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

TCI, DEVCOMS seek increased efforts to promote access to FP, safe motherhood 
Health

TCI, DEVCOMS seek increased efforts to promote access to FP, safe motherhood 

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By Lillian U. Okoro

Continued investment, political will, and community-driven action are critical to promoting access to Family Planning (FP) services and safe motherhood across the country, the  Development Communications Network (DEVCOMS) says.

The Project Lead, DEVCOMS,  Mr Onche Odeh, made the assertion in commemoration of the 2025 Motherhood Day in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the day, celebrated annually on April 11, aims to raise awareness about maternal health, had the 2025 theme as: “Healthy Beginnings; Hopeful Futures”.

Odeh said that more was still required to be done to ensure that family planning services reached every woman, man, and young person who needed them—no matter where they lived.

He decried the loss of thousands of women to pregnancy related complications annually in Nigeria.

According to him, many of these deaths are preventable through proper spacing and voluntary family planning.

He said as the world commemorates the 2025 Safe Motherhood Day, “Nigeria celebrates a quiet but powerful revolution safeguarding the lives of mothers and children: the rise in access to FP and childbirth spacing services across the country”.

According to him, states across Nigeria are translating family planning commitments into visible progress.

He explained that through government leadership, community engagement, youth-centred services, and strategic partnerships, there were growing signs of impact.

“Health facilities are experiencing increased client trust and local governments are mobilising resources to reach more communities.

“Advocacy efforts are helping to reshape public perceptions—particularly through youth engagement, male involvement and outreach to underserved populations.

“Even in complex humanitarian settings, family planning is being integrated with maternal health services, ensuring continuity of care.

“Yet, despite these encouraging gains, much more remains to be done. Progress is not yet uniform and gaps in access, quality and equity persists.

“The path to safe motherhood is not just paved in hospitals. It starts with conversations, choice and community support,” Odeh said.

The Country Team Lead, The Challenge Initiative (TCI) Nigeria, Dr Taiwo Johnson, said that at the heart of this progress was TCI.

According to Johnson, the initiative is a proven model that puts local governments in the driver’s seat to sustainably scale reproductive health solutions.

He said TCI was launched in 2017 to transition the gains of the Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI) into a platform that empowers state governments to take ownership, scale up proven interventions, and drive impact across more states

He added that the initiative now had an expanded reach that included both urban and underserved rural areas.

He explained that in partnership with over a dozen state governments, TCI was making motherhood safer, families healthier and futures brighter.

According to him, TCI’s impact showed that when women have access to safe, affordable and culturally appropriate FP services, maternal mortality drops, newborn outcomes improve, and families thrive.

“Safe motherhood starts before the first contraction — it begins with informed choices, timely access to family planning, and a community that supports women at every step of their reproductive journey.

“What we are seeing in Nigeria today is a bold move from awareness to action, from promises to programs that truly save lives.

“TCI’s support has proven that states can lead their own reproductive health transformations.

“With growing political will, sustainable funding, and grassroots engagement, Nigeria is closer than ever to making safe motherhood not just a goal — but a guarantee,” Johnson said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yetunde Fatungase/Vivian Ihechu

Africa’s real GDP projected to grow by 4% in 2025- Afreximbank 
Economy/Business

Africa’s real GDP projected to grow by 4% in 2025- Afreximbank 

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By Okeoghene Akubuike

Africa’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to grow by 4.0 per cent in  2025, in spite global economic fragility,   says Afreximbank Research Report.

The 2025 African Trade and Economic Outlook (ATEO) Report, a research by Afreximbank, said Africa’s real GDP is projected to reach 4.1 per cent in 2026 and 4.2 per cent in 2027.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2025 African Trade and Economic Outlook (ATEO) provides an in-depth analysis of Africa’s economic and trade performance, projecting the continent’s growth trajectory in the short-to- medium term.

It highlights the key macroeconomic and trade developments shaping Africa’s recovery, detailing opportunities for sustainable growth amid heightening global and domestic uncertainties.

The  2025 ATEO report said  41 per cent of African economies were projected to grow by at least five per cent, nearly double the global rate of 21 per cent, reflecting the continent’s expanding role as a driver of global growth.

According to the report,  Africa’s gradual recovery would be supported by increased global demand for African exports, the disinflation trend, and the implementation of structural reforms to diversify African economies

The report said the  were  downside risks to the African economic outlook, including rising geopolitical tensions and fluctuating commodity prices.

“Economic slowdown in the United States and China may also impact the international financial conditions and the demand for African resources.

“Internal conflicts and climate change threaten stability and growth.”

However, the report said potential upside risks include the anticipated decline in global interest rates, which would begin in 2025 if geopolitical uncertainty remained unchanged, potentially enhancing access to financing.

“Additionally, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents an opportunity to boost economic integration and intra-African trade, reducing vulnerability to external shocks in the medium term.”

To address potential downside risks, the report suggests several short-term strategies which include  adopting a nuanced and proactive monetary policy stance, and enhancing resilience against climate-related and geopolitical disruptions.

Other strategies include boosting domestic consumption alongside the service sector and accelerating the implementation of the AfCFTA agreement.

In the medium term, the report said strategies should shift toward economic diversification through strategic investments in human capital development and workforce training within key emerging sectors.

“Additionally, efforts should be made to improve economic governance, public infrastructure, and initiatives to strengthen intra-African trade dynamics.”

The report highlighted several challenges and solutions for Africa to attain stability and sustainable development amid a rapidly uncertain global landscape.

The first challenge identified was Africa’s reliance on commodity exports which had made countries vulnerable to fluctuations in world commodity prices.

“To reduce their exposure to these price fluctuations, it is crucial to accelerate the structural shift to a more diversified and resilient economy.”

The second challenge identified was debt sustainability, with the report stating that several African countries allocate over 50 per cent of their revenues to debt servicing, due to their large development financing needs.

“Ensuring debt sustainability requires more efficient public spending and prioritisation of growth-oriented investment projects.”

The report said the third challenge involved human capital and skill development.

To tackle this challenge, the report suggests that governments should invest more resources to improve healthcare and promote collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“ Strengthening training in sciences and technology facilitates skill development and talent allocation, which is essential for successful structural transformation.”

It said the fourth challenge was the weak social outcomes of economic growth in Africa caused by slow progress in poverty reduction.

“To boost poverty-reducing potential growth, improving the provision of basic public infrastructure and services is vital, reducing dependency on natural resources through structural transformation.

“Addressing inequalities must be an integral part of sustainable development goals, ensuring equitable access to quality education, healthcare, energy, transport infrastructure, and financial services.”

The final challenge identified in the report was the growing concerns about environmental degradation and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.

“For sustainable economic development, promotion of green growth must align with comprehensive policy frameworks that address climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, while recognizing continental development needs and challenges.”

The 2025 ATEO  provides an in-depth analysis of Africa’s economic and trade performance, projecting the continent’s growth trajectory in the short-to-medium term. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Dialogue with exited pharmaceutical companies, Pharmacist urges Tinubu
Health

Dialogue with exited pharmaceutical companies, Pharmacist urges Tinubu

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By Adeyemi Adeleye

A Nigerian pharmaceutical company, ST. RACHEAL’S Pharma, has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure return of all pharmaceutical firms that had left Nigeria because of economic challenges.

The Chairman of the firm, Mr Akinjide Adeosun, made the appeal on Saturday in Lagos at the commemoration of the company’s 7th anniversary.

Adeosun urged Tinubu to redouble efforts at tackling the rising cost of drugs and brain drain to improve the health conditions of Nigerians, especially the indigent.

According to him, the President should declare a state of emergency on health with a singular compelling objective to save lives of Nigerians experiencing excruciating economic hardship.

He listed healthcare areas that needed emergency attention to include hard and soft infrastructures.

“There is the need for an urgent engagement of exited pharmaceutical companies to bring back investment in Research and Development (R&D) to accelerate the renewed hope of manufacturing renaissance.

“The Minister of Trade and Investment is implored to champion this initiative.

“Part of the negotiation can include partnership with local manufacturers to position Nigeria as a hub strategically to harness export to African countries,” he said.

Adeosun also called for an urgent removal of import duty and levy on critical pharmaceutical products with inadequate local manufacturing capacity like antibiotics; antihypertensive and antidiabetics.

“This initiative will help to reduce cost of drugs in Nigeria,” the pharmacist said.

Speaking on soft infrastructure as the also need attention, Adeosun noted that there was a current dearth of state of the art medical education provided by the multinational pharmaceutical companies that left Nigeria.

“A revival of their interest in Nigeria will rekindle investment in human capacity of the health care practitioners, at par with their colleagues globally.

“To address the dwindling man power as a result of brain drain, admission numbers should be significantly increased in the schools of medicine and pharmacy across the country.

“An enabling working environment should be provided to attract Nigerians in the diaspora and other African healthcare professionals to practice in Nigeria,” the expert added.

Adeosun, however, commended the removal of import duty and Value Added Tax on active pharmaceutical ingredients by the President.

“This will go a long way – long term- to switch the current ratio of 60 per cent:40 per cent imported drugs versus locally produced drugs to 40 per cent:60 per cent imported versus locally produced drugs,” he said.

Making further case for the poor, the pharmacist urged the Federal Government to do everything possible to lessen the health burden of the vulnerable.

“While we support the various non-health palliatives being provided in the country, it is our considered opinion that enrolling indigent patients in health insurance (paid by government at the national and sub-national levels) in all parts of the country.

“This will impact positively on the people’s health thereby improving life expectancy in Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, since launch on March 29, 2018, ST.RACHEAL’S Pharma has excelled in the art of core commercial remits and in the process, delighting customers through the provision of value-added services of leadership, finance, customer care, distribution and technology.

He said that the Akinjide Adeosun Foundation (AAF), the non-profit organisation of ST.RACHEAL’S™ Pharma, has executed free medical mission and free leadership education in Nigeria, in resonance with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Experts advocate massive investment in energy, supply chain, AI for economic development
Economy/Business , General News , Health

Experts advocate massive investment in energy, supply chain, AI for economic development

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By Adeyemi Adeleye

Some experts and professionals have called for massive investment in renewable energy, efficient supply chains and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance businesses and catalyse Nigeria’s economy.

They spoke at the ST. RACHEAL’s People’s Consulting Ltd, 2025 Talent Development and Retention Summit Series 2, titled “Economic Opportunities”, on Saturday in Lagos.

Speaking virtually, a Business Analyst, Mr Oluwadara Adeosun, said that Nigeria was blessed with vast resources which should be explored for economic prosperity and to enhance quality of life.

Emphasising the critical role energy plays in businesses, Adeosun said that massive investment in renewable energy would be a game changer for the country.

Calling for collaboration between the public and private sectors in the development of renewable energy, the analyst said that this would positively impact all sectors of the economy including health and education.

“The opportunity is there should the private sector want to tap into it. It is a collaboration between the private and public.

“The opportunity in Nigeria is massive. We have oceanic waves, lakes, dams and solar.

“When we have more electricity in the country, it will improve quality of life, even our hospitals will be better,” Adeosun said.

Speaking, Dr Solomon Aigbavboa, a Supply Chain Expert, described supply chain as the lifeblood of any business either for individual or government.

According to Aigbavboa, supply chain leads to business success and sustainable sustainability, hence the need to ensure primary and secondary product flows in an effective and efficient manner for economic rebuilding.

He said that businesses needed supply chain because of high incidence of lost sales owing to sub-optimal production and inventory planning, harsh macro economy, inefficient maritime and inland transport distribution among others.

Aigbavboa said that supply chain management was critical in business for cost reduction, improved efficiency, practical action to mitigate risk and for customer satisfaction.

“Supply Chain management must be resilient to stand disruptions and absorb shocks.

“Supply Chain processes must be optimised ensuring consistency, efficiency, quality, and scalability

“If supply chain is not structured well, strong and dynamic, it will affect businesses.

“Supply chain enables businesses success, ensures business agility and responsiveness, sustainability, data -driven decision making, scalability and market expansion.

“We cannot do without supply chain if we must increase business activities,” he said.

He said that challenges of supply chain included power, infrastructure, inefficient distribution process, harsh macro-eneomy, forex, high outbound transport costs, diesels among others.

Also speaking, Head of Microsoft, Nigeria and Ghana, Mrs Olatomiwa Williams, who spoke on AI, said that the innovation was transforming businesses and unlocking economic growth for nations.

Williams, who joined virtually, said that any organisation could harness and adopt AI to drive efficiency and effectiveness, saying “AI is already fueling global economic space. A nation that adopts it will lead”.

According to her, Nigeria has a golden opportunity to leverage AI in key economic sectors including agriculture, finance, education, medicical diagnostics and prescription, manufacturing sector among others to compete with the rest of the world.

“AI has enormous opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs. It develops solutions, increases efficiency, job creations.

“We must continue to invest in AI innovations.

“It is important for everyone to collaborate. We need to look into our educational curriculum to ensure AI is embedded. AI revolution is not waiting for us, we must act faster.

“Business leaders should adopt AI, policy makers should create enabling environments for AI growth.

“Youths should embrace learning not just as customer but as innovators to grant economic prosperity, create new jobs and secure Nigeria,” Williams said.

She listed the challenges in AI ecosystem to include infrastructure, regulation uncertainties among other.

On concerns that AI could stifle creativity, Williams said that AI had not come to stop human creativity but to enhance it.

She, however, said that though Nigerian government had embraced the innovation,  there was still a long way to go in embracing technology.

Other speakers who spoke on businesses, economy and health in the nation included a Sales Expert, Mr Bunmi Adimula; a Tech Law expert, Mrs Ngozi Nwabueze; Mr Orji Uka, a Legal Practitioner with TEMPLARS, among others.

The Lead Visioner and Chairman of ST. RACHEAL’S PHARMA, Mr Akinjide Adeosun, said that the event was to bring in people of diverse backgrounds in their efforts to change the society.

Adeosun urged Nigerian leadership to invest in renewable energy especially solar to power businesses.

Adeosun said that Critical Success Factor (CSF) in anything business included strategic insight, clear communication and compelling Emotional Intelligence.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu

SRHR: Lives at risk without continued investment, Pathfinder warns
Health

SRHR: Lives at risk without continued investment, Pathfinder warns

286 total views today

 

By Vivian Ihechu

With development funding becoming increasingly constrained, Pathfinder International is urging the adoption of innovative approaches and the fostering of diverse partnerships to continue serving women and girls, particularly in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

The organisation highlighted that the current stop-work order and broader funding constraints are creating significant challenges for healthcare delivery.

Amina Dorayi, Nigeria Country Director for Pathfinder International, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday.

NAN reports that in January 2025, USAID issued a blanket stop-work order to all its implementing partners, halting the implementation of USAID-funded activities.

Dorayi emphasised that without continued investment, thousands of lives in the countries where the organisation worked, Nigeria included were at risk each month.

“Hundreds of thousands will lose access to family planning services 228,240 clients, unintended pregnancies 210,389 and unsafe abortions 75,394 will surge, with avoidable maternal deaths 156 becoming a harsh reality,” she said.

She also pointed out the risk of women missing critical antenatal 352, delivery 1,004, and postpartum care 1,081, while survivors of gender-based violence 233 would be left without support.

Dorayi noted that any cuts to foreign aid would severely disrupt reproductive health services in Nigeria, especially Project 2025, which called for significant reductions in foreign aid, including critical global health programmes.

“This could lead to a rollback in FP2030 progress, leaving millions of women without access to contraceptives, declining maternal health services, and increasing preventable maternal deaths,” she warned.

She also highlighted the additional burden on Nigeria’s already overstretched healthcare system.

“In response to these challenges, Pathfinder is forging new partnerships with African governments, the private sector, and philanthropic organisations to reduce reliance on traditional donors.”

Dorayi added that the organisation was strengthening health information systems to optimise service delivery in spite of funding constraints.

She also discussed the importance of strengthening responses to gender-based violence (GBV), which remained a major barrier to SRHR in Nigeria.

“Pathfinder has integrated GBV response into primary healthcare, ensuring survivors receive medical and psychosocial support through our clinical and community-based interventions,” she said.

NAN reports that through its SRHR work, Pathfinder has reached millions globally, improving maternal and child health outcomes.

In Fiscal Year 2024, the organisation distributed 474 million contraceptive methods, serving 42 million clients with family planning services.

Additionally, 10.6 million pregnant women received antenatal care, and 7.6 million deliveries were supported.

Between 2020 and 2024, their efforts helped avert 32,000 maternal deaths (up from 7,000 in 2020), 28,000 unintended pregnancies (up from 5,000), and saved 2.2 billion dollars in healthcare costs (up from 443 million dollars).

Dorayi reaffirmed Pathfinder’s commitment to achieving the FP2030 goals in Nigeria, emphasising the organisation’s efforts to empower young people and improve healthcare services.

“With just five years left to achieve FP2030 targets, Pathfinder is accelerating efforts to ensure universal contraceptive access.

“Our programmes have trained healthcare workers, improved youth-friendly services, and transformed social and gender norms, making significant shifts in attitudes toward gender equality,” she said.

She assured that Pathfinder remained committed to ensuring that women and girls in Nigeria had full autonomy over their reproductive choices and access to quality healthcare.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

 

 

Citizens Pensions highlights importance of pension education ahead retirement
Business , General News

Citizens Pensions highlights importance of pension education ahead retirement

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By Vivian Ihechu

The Managing Director of Citizens Pensions Ltd., Helen Da-Souza, has highlighted the need for in-depth education to ensure citizens understand their pension contributions and avoid misconceptions.

Da-Souza said this at the unveiling of Citizens Pensions Ltd. in Lagos on Tuesday.

She emphasised that the pension plan was essential to safeguard the quality of life and health at an advanced age as it provided a stable and dependable source of income after retirement.

According to her, many people are not well educated about pensions, saying they just make contributions.

“In educating people, we are going to embark on in-depth education of citizens of Nigeria, and that’s why we are here.’’

De Souza explained that Citizens Pensions Ltd., aimed to distinguish itself in Nigeria’s pension industry by leveraging technology to reach the informal sector and educate contributors more effectively.

“The company plans to stand out as a household name by providing exceptional customer service and ensuring funds are securely managed.

“They will address issues like incorrect configurations or changed phone numbers that may cause confusion.

“Citizens Pensions will actively engage with customers and potential contributors through various market interactions, including visits to businesses and professional associations, to expand their customer base and improve pension awareness.

“We will work closely with customers from their first income to retirement, providing personalised service and support.’’

The approach includes extensive market engagement to ensure comprehensive coverage and education of potential pension contributors.

Da Souza noted the vital role the informal sector plays in driving the economy.

“The informal sector is the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economy as it contributes significantly to the nation’s GDP which sustains the livelihoods of millions across the country.

“Citizens Pensions will directly address these barriers, providing a structured, accessible, and user-friendly platform that accommodates the realities of informal-sector workers.’’

She also emphasised the importance of technology in pension management, assuring that the company would harness the power of technology to streamline processes, enhance the customer journey, and ensure absolute transparency.

The Chairman of Citizens Pensions, Chukwuka Onwuchekwa, said the firm was stepping into the space with a clear mission to provide retirement solutions that empower individuals and institutions to achieve their long-term financial goals.

According to him, this will ensure a comfortable and dignified retirement for all.

“At Citizens Pensions, we are inspired by these advancements. But inspiration alone is not enough. We understand that innovation must be adapted to local realities.

“Nigeria, with its dynamic population and unique challenges, presents an incredible opportunity to leapfrog traditional models and embrace a future where pensions are not just an obligation but a cornerstone of financial empowerment”.

Onwuchekwa called for collaboration to transform the pension system.

“But let us be clear: building a transformative pension system is not a solo endeavour.

“As we begin this journey, we invite collaboration. From regulators to financial institutions, from employers to employees, we must work together to create a system that is inclusive, efficient, and sustainable’’.

He thanked the National Pension Commission (PenCom) for their dedication to the growth and stability of Nigeria’s pension sector. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola

NGO empowers community members to tackle child abuse in Lagos
Gender , General News

NGO empowers community members to tackle child abuse in Lagos

490 total views today

 

 

 

 

By Oluwatope Lawanson

Devatop Centre for Africa Development, a Non- Governmental Organisation (NGO), says it has empowered 131 community members, to protect the rights and well-being of vulnerable children in Lagos State.

Speaking at a conference on Thursday in Lagos, Mr Joseph Osuigwe, the Executive Director, Devatop Centre for Africa Development, said that the empowered community members included child domestic workers and their guardians.

Osuigwe said that the conference was organised to discuss key milestones and an assessment of the impact report of their pilot project meant to protect Child Domestic Workers (CDWs) from maltreatment.

He said that the pilot project was embarked upon with the support of the Freedom Fund and the U.S. Department of State.

“During the project, Devatop Centre trained 45 community champions to sensitise over 350 individuals on child rights and protection.

“The project distributed 3,000 awareness materials and broadcast four multilingual audio-visuals, reaching over 50,000 people.

“Furthermore, 68 CDWs and 63 guardians were trained on child rights, safeguarding, and protection.

“Seven CDWs were enrolled in school, while five began vocational training,” he said .

He said that the initiative, which ran from October 2023 to December 2024, made a transformative impact in addressing the exploitation and abuse of CDWs in Ijegun-Egba and Iyana-Sashi communities in Lagos State.

“With the completion of this pilot project, Devatop Centre is now poised to scale up its efforts to protect child domestic workers across Lagos State,” Osuigwe said.

He explained that the project was designed to address the root causes of child domestic violence, including cultural norms, economic hardship, and religious beliefs.

“Through the establishment of two CDWs’ Rights Forums, Devatop Centre provided a platform for community members to come together and discuss issues affecting child domestic workers.

“The forums empowered participants with knowledge and skills to identify and report cases of abuse, and to provide support to vulnerable children.

“We are proud to have empowered community members to take action in protecting the rights of child domestic workers.

“By working together, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for all children,” Osuigwe said.

The executive director said some of the project’s achievements also included policy advocacy, community empowerment, awareness campaigns, and support for CDWs.

Osuigwe disclosed that the community-led approach had helped to raise awareness and promote behavioural change, ultimately reducing the risk of exploitation and abuse.

He noted that the project also reviewed 30 legal frameworks and identified seven critical gaps.

According to him, two policy dialogues with 30 stakeholders resulted in 24 actionable plans, five of which have been implemented to address policy gaps.

Osuigwe said Devatop Centre’s innovative TALKAM Human Rights App had also played a critical role in supporting their efforts.

“The app, which was recently recognised by the United Nations Alliance of Civilization (UNAOC), provides a secure and confidential platform for individuals to report cases of abuse and exploitation.

Osuigwe commended the stakeholders, including the Lagos State Government, for their support and partnership in the project.

He urged stakeholders for continuous support, adding that it was a collective responsibility to protect the rights of vulnerable children.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highpoints of the conference was the launch of a child rights game app, to tackle Child Domestic Worker’s violence. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Christiana Fadare

AIF 2024 closes with 0bn in investments, renewed commitment
Economy/Business

AIF 2024 closes with $180bn in investments, renewed commitment

440 total views today

By Kamal Tayo Oropo

Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, on Friday delivered a touching keynote speech at the closing ceremony of the Africa Investment Forum 2024 Market Days.

The event, held in Rabat, Morocco, marked his final attendance as President of the African Development Bank Group, as he will be completing his two terms of five-year each in 2025.

The forum had the theme ”Leveraging Innovative Partnership for Scale”.

Adesina expressed satisfaction at the achievements of the Africa Investment Forum.

According to him, the forum has attracted over $180 billion worth of investments as Africa’s premier investment marketplace.

He  commended the partners of the forum, including the African Development Bank Group, Africa-50, Africa-Export Import Bank, and the Development Bank of Southern Africa.

The renowned economist and agriculture development expert was honoured with the ‘African of the Decade’ award by the Africa Business News Group.

Adesina accepted the award, saying that it was not just a recognition of his efforts, but also of those of  the “army of believers” who shared his vision for Africa’s development.

Adesina’s speech was a testament to his passion for Africa’s transformation and promoting investments on the continent.

He reaffirmed his dedication to Africa’s development, saying, “We will not stop believing in Africa. We will not stop making sure that we make Africa to be like a lighthouse. The rest of the world will say, ‘That is the place to be.’”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adesina was elected in 2015, after which he launched a bold strategy called ‘High 5s’.

They are Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Integrate Africa, Industrialise Africa and Improve the quality of life of the people of Africa.

He said the High 5s had already impacted the lives of more than 400 million Africans.

In 2018, he launched the Africa Investment Forum which, he said, had attracted up to $180 billion worth of investments as Africa’s premier investment marketplace.

In 2019, Adesina led the African Development Bank to achieve its highest capital increase since the bank’s establishment in 1964, raising it from $93 billion to $208 billion.

In 2020, Adesina was re-elected for a second term and  he led the bank through the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2023, he convened the Feed Africa Summit together with the Senegalese President which mobilised $72 billion for tackling food insecurity in Africa. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

AfDB, UNHCR support refugees, displaced persons
General News

AfDB, UNHCR support refugees, displaced persons

439 total views today

By Kamal Tayo Oropo

The African Development Bank (AfDB) group and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) are to address forced displacements in Africa.

The two bodies, in a groundbreaking move, reached the agreement on Friday in one of the events marking the closure of Africa Investment Forum, Market Days 2024, in Rabat, Morocco.

The event is with the theme: ‘Leveraging Innovative Partnership For Scale.’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there are over 45 million forcibly displaced people in various communities on the continent.

Speakers noted that the AfDB and UNHCR partnership aimed to unlock the economic potential of these communities and promote sustainable development.

AfDB Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Hassatou N’Sele, emphasised the need for African nations to reform their approach to addressing displacement.

“We need to be bolder and work together to make a lasting impact. It’s not about competition or visibility, but about changing lives.

“The partnership will focus on renewable energy, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and financial services to support refugees and displaced persons.

“By combining humanitarian aid with long-term development finance, the AfDB and UNHCR aim to create sustainable solutions for these communities,’’ she said.

UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Refugees, Raouf Mazou, noted that Africa was at a transformative moment, where everyone understands the need to approach forced displacement in a comprehensive manner.

“The business case is clear: refugees and IDPs must be part of the economy of the country or community that welcomes them,” he said.

According to him, this innovative partnership is a significant step toward addressing the complex challenges faced by refugees and displaced persons in Africa.

He said by working together, the AfDB and UNHCR could help create a brighter future for these communities and promote sustainable development across the continent. (NAN)  www.nannews.ng

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Vivian Ihechu

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