NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Group organises free medical, empowerment outreach for 500 Onitsha residents

Group organises free medical, empowerment outreach for 500 Onitsha residents

254 total views today

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

No fewer than 500 Onitsha residents, on Sunday, benefited from a free medical and empowerment outreach, organised by the Dr Chioma Awuzie Foundation, a non-governmental organisation.

The medical outreach, which targeted children, men, women and the aged, covered Typhoid, Malaria and Hepatitis B tests, HIV screening, Syphilis, Blood pressure level, Blood sugar level, Urinalysis and distribution of free drugs.

In a speech, the Founder of the group, Dr Chioma Awuzie, said that doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists and other healthcare workers were engaged for the exercise meant to bring healthcare to residents of the commercial city.

Awuzie said: “I have a call to reach out to the underprivileged around me, which is why we are holding this medical outreach and empowerment of women and youths.

“We decided to bring healthcare services closer to the people at no cost at all because it is a known fact that access to medicare is a big challenge in Nigeria.

“A lot of people with one underlying ailment or the other are dying in silence because they cannot afford the hospital bills.

“Many women and youths have learnt one trade or the other but do not have the capital and equipment to start up.

“The foundation is empowering some indigent women and youths so they can be economically self-reliant.”

She urged wealthy individuals to reach out to the underprivileged around them to reduce the level of poverty in the country.

In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), some of the beneficiaries expressed joy over the kind gesture.

Mrs Christiana Chukwuonye, 67, thanked the foundation for availing her the free opportunity to know her health status “without going to hospital”.

Also, Pa Pius Okafor commended the foundation for the outreach and appealed to government to conduct similar medical outreaches in the rural communities.

“I live in the village and we do not get this kind of outreach.

“But today, I have the opportunity to benefit because I visited my children in Onitsha,” Okafor said.

NAN reports that the foundation also distributed clothing materials and food items to indigent widows, donated refrigerators, electrical cooling appliances, clippers, digital cameras and laptops to many women and young entrepreneurs in the area.

It also disbursed start-up funds to petty traders to promote women empowerment and youth investment, in line with its poverty-reduction initiative. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah

Disasters: CCD urges NEMA, others to be inclusive of PWDs in response measures

Disasters: CCD urges NEMA, others to be inclusive of PWDs in response measures

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By Augusta Uchediunor

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) urges the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other emergency management agencies to be inclusive of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in their response and measures to reduce disasters.

According to CCD, an NGO, disaster is always inclusive and does not discriminate, as such when it occurs, it disproportionately affects persons with disabilities and their families in vulnerable situations.

Mr David ANyaele, Executive Director, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD)

Mr David Anyaele, Executive Director, CCD, made the call while briefing news men on Friday on the impact of impending flood in some parts of the country on Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

He said that NEMA, state agencies and partners in emergency management should take appropriate steps to identify PWDs and ensure their inclusion in the planning for support to flood survivors and displaced persons.

“It is an issue that requires to be addressed as a matter of utmost urgency, of which, if not adequately checked, may affect persons with disabilities the most.

“Recognising that disasters is always inclusive and it does not discriminate, as such when it occurs, it disproportionately affects persons with disabilities and their families in vulnerable situations.

“ It further exposes persons with disabilities to increased difficulty as a result of separation from family, loss of assistive and mobility devices, and difficulties with accessing information and relief materials.’’

According to him, in spite  various calls by the disability community and organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) like CCD on disaster risk reduction and prompt response, most state emergency management agencies fail to adequately plan for or include PWDs  in their disaster management activities.

“ This causes severe inequities in access to immediate response.

“As well as long-term recovery resources for persons with disabilities prior to the disaster and those who acquire a disability as a result of the disaster.

“If adequate care is not taken to address these issues by the identified states by its emergency management agencies and governments beforehand, most persons with disabilities will lose their lives and property.

“This is the main reason we are sounding a note of warning through this press conference to avert impending catastrophes that will befall the disability community in the would-be affected states by the impending flooding.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, NEMA projected that about 14 states and 31 communities might witness heavy rainfall that could lead to flooding from July 4 to July 8.

Some of the states include Kano, Delta, Kebbi, Plateau, Akwa-Ibom, Sokoto, Kaduna, Adamawa, Kastina, Kebbi, Kwara, Zamfara, Borno, and Jigawa.

Similarly, in February 2023, the Federal Government warned that not less than 178 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 32 states including Lagos and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were at a high risk of flooding in 2023.

Anyaele noted that climate change also drastically increased the frequency and intensity of disaster globally, saying that flooding had been the major disaster in Nigeria with deleterious impacts on livelihood, properties and human lives.

He also called for data to show aggregate of PWDs affected by disasters in Nigeria.

“In 2022, Nigeria recorded the most devastating flood events in a decade, claiming over 600 lives, and displacement of 1.3 million persons.

“Although, there was no disaggregated data on the number of PWDs affected yet.

“In a media release by Cable on Jan. 4, 2023, the experience of persons with disabilities during the 2022 flooding event were shared.

“The release highlighted the challenges faced by PWDs and the impacts of poor and non-inclusive emergency/disaster management on their welfare and safety.

“Abu Hajara, a lady using wheelchair from Kogi State narrowly avoided being swept away by the flood;

“ Bisi Akponanabofa, a person with physical disability from Bayelsa had to swim a distance of 200 metres to seek refuge with a lot of trampling along the way.

“Also, Joy Ogbogene, a 36-year-old lady with albinism shared she among other cluster member were exposed to dirty water which later caused skin infections.

“Due to their low vision, they encounter difficulty sighting reptiles transported to their homes and communities through floodwater.’’

Proffering some solutions, he urged NEMA, state emergency management agencies and other relevant stakeholders to awareness campaigns on the inclusion of PWDs in disaster response.

He said that this should be carried out involving organisations of persons with disabilities and disability NGOs.

Anyaele also advised that Local and State Governments officials responsible for emergency management should take appropriate measures to map PWDs in all the wards in the flooding prone states.

According to him, this will ensure that they are not forgotten when flood disaster occurs.

He said that adequate measures should also be taken to ensure that relief materials and other support to displaced persons were distributed without discrimination against persons living with disability.

“State and other emergency management agencies should ensure that all mechanism for data capturing and impact assessment are designed to reflect the needs of persons with different forms of disability.

“ Federal and State Ministries of Women Affairs and Social Development in affected states should provide leadership and coordinate efforts to reach out to PWDs.

“All emergency management institutions should ensure that water and sanitation measures at the relief camps include options that are easily accessible to persons on wheelchairs, the visually impaired and those with other forms of disabilities.

“State and other agencies for emergency management should pay adequate professional medical attention to newly injured or disabled persons to avoid medical complications, secondary disabilities or even fatal outcomes.

“They should equally pay adequate attention to the emotional and social needs of disaster victims to help them overcome normal trauma symptoms, including providing professional psychologists to handle disaster victims.’’

He also advised PWDs, their families and organisations to take the warning of the NEMA very seriously. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

CBM Global unveils strategic plan to tackle cycle of poverty, disability in Nigeria

CBM Global unveils strategic plan to tackle cycle of poverty, disability in Nigeria

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By Justina Auta

An NGO, CBM Global Disability Inclusion, has unveiled its three-year country strategic plan (CSP) titled, “Collaborative Actions to End the Cycle of Poverty and Disability (COLLABO: 2023-2026)” in Nigeria.

Its Country Director, Ms Ekaete Umoh, at the inauguration on Thursday in Abuja, said the strategic plan was the organisation’s response to bridging the inequality gaps for the most vulnerable in the society.

Umoh said the initiative aimed at promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities in the country, through strengthening of organisations of persons with disabilities, inclusion advisory supports, movement building, among others.

“In furtherance of our vision and mission, and to continue our service to PWDs, we are launching our Country Strategy Plan 2023 – 2026 (CSP) titled: ‘Collaborative Actions to end the cycle of poverty and disability (COLLABO).

“The plan is CBM Global Nigeria’s three-year strategy to deepen sustainable impact on the lives of persons with disabilities and their organisations.

“CBM Global Nigeria is setting this new direction following its existence in implementing programmes in Nigeria and having learned lessons on what works in building on and sustaining the gains so far made in the country,” she said.

According to her, the NGO has commenced an initiative, “the Disability Inclusion Mindset Series” in line with their mandate to challenge exclusion and discrimination against PWDs.

She said this would be done through advocacy and policy influencing, bridging knowledge gaps, and improved engagement between OPDs and government to drive disability inclusion in the country.

Umoh said the Disability Mindset Series would provide a pedestal to promote a shared understanding of disability rights issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.

Uko Ekott, Head of Programmes, Africa of Cuso International, said he was glad to be part of “the inaugural Disability Inclusion Mindset Series.

Ekott said the series sought to chart a new course “as we pause, reflect and strategise to galvanise support for marginalised groups to take ownership of their own development.”

NAN reports that since transforming from CBM International in 2019, CBM Global has remained a world leader in global disability inclusion that works alongside PWDs in the world’s poorest places to fight poverty, exclusion and transform lives.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Taiye Agbaje/Isaac Aregbesola

Market leader tasks women on family planning, commends TCI’s support

Market leader tasks women on family planning, commends TCI’s support

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By Kemi Akintokun

The Baba-Loja of Igando/Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Alhaji Ogundele Olorunfemi, on Wednesday advised women to adopt a family planning method for their well-being.

Olorunfemi spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of a medical outreach on family planning, organised by the Alimosho Local Government in conjunction with The Challenge Initiative (TCI) for women.

TCI is led by the Bill & Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in the U.S.

Olorunfemi who spoke in Yoruba language noted that gone were the days when people gave birth to many children without spacing them.

“Family planning is very important because people no longer give birth to many children like the olden days where women gave birth to many children.

“If you have family planning, it will help you to plan the number of children you want and how to space then so that as a woman you will enjoy your body according to the health educator.

“The health educators have helped to allay the fear entertained by some of our women who think it is harmful,” he said.

He commended TCI for supporting the government through its collaboration to make family planning accessible for free to women in the area.

A beneficiary of the programme, Mrs Bolaji Oluwatosin, said she decided to go for family planning to avoid the same mistake she made with her previous baby.

“My Last baby was not up to a year before I got pregnant with this new baby I am carrying and I don’t want the same thing to happen to me again,” she said.

Also, Mrs Tawa Sakariya told NAN that family planning had helped her to space her children properly.

“Family planning is very good. My husband and I can cater for our children because we planned the number of children we have due to family planning,” she said.

Speaking also, Mrs Blessing Eze, who is a young mother,  commended TCI for educating them on the benefits of family.

She said, “I have learnt a whole lot about the benefits of family planning and I chose a method good for me based on the counselling from the health educator.’’

NAN reports that TCI health educators sensitised women at the programme on the importance and types of family planning methods available.

A free family planning service which included counselling was rendered to women who participated at the outreach. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Adeleye Ajayi

Oral cancer is curable, says Expert

Oral cancer is curable, says Expert

241 total views today

 

By Abiodun Azi

Dr Abdul-Warith Akinshipo, a Maxillofacial Pathologist a the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), says that oral cancer is curable.

Akinshipo disclosed this in Lagos on Wednesday during a seminar he convened on oral cancer with the theme as: “Improving Oral Cancer Awareness and Management in Nigeria” with sub theme ‘Artificial Intelligence in Oral Healthcare’.

He said that the seminar  oral cancer is a debilitating disease, and the survival rate for any patient was very low.

Oral Cancer

He said that 50 per cent of patients who developed oral cancer would die in five years and  that the seminar was  to raise awareness of the disease both in the academic environment and public.

“Most of the patients we see, 80 per cent come with advanced disease; that is, they come with a colossal lesion and tumor, which is avoidable.

“That is what we are trying to tell the public that it is avoidable, preventable and can be detected in time” he said.

Akinshipo, who is also a Senior Lecturer at the  College of Medicine, University of Lagos (UNILAG), advised that if anyone had a swelling or something in his/her mouth for more than two weeks, the person should see a dentist for a check up.

He, however, noted that not all swellings in the mouth were cancers.

He said that he got interested in oral cancer when he lost someone dear to him  to the ailment.

According to him, he is also disturbed by its morbidity.

“That is, patients present when lesion are so advanced, and you begin to wonder why are they bringing it to this time.

He said that oral cancer awareness was poor and there was a need to improve awareness and show people in the community what oral cancer was.

“There is a need to show the community that there is a form of treatment.

“It can be removed and after removal, radiotherapy.”

Earlier, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, Chief Medical Director (CMD) LUTH, had said that there was no doubt about the fact that the awareness of oral cancer was low.

He said that cancer was also one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and  that oral cancer consisted of between two and 10 per cent of cancer cases.

He said that unlike many parts of the body that may be hidden,  the oral cavity is open.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the seminar organised by the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Biology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, College of Medicine, UNILAG was in collaboration with the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong (HKU), Hong Kong.

It also reports that experts took different sessions on early diagnosis and prevention of oral cancers, current and future strategies, management of oral cancer in Nigeria, experience and challenges.

Other sessions included “Role of artificial intelligence in oral healthcare”, “Artificial  intelligence in the detection of OPMDs and oral cancer” and “Introducing artificial intelligence tools for oral cancer susceptibility prediction and detection”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

AGE/HUL/VIV

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Edited by Hajara Leman/Vivian Ihechu

NBTE inaugurates councils on traditional medicine, homeland security

NBTE inaugurates councils on traditional medicine, homeland security

228 total views today

 

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

 

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) on Thursday inaugurated two Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) on traditional herbal medicine and homeland security.

The Executive Secretary, NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, explained during the inauguration in Abuja, that the goal was to promote indigenous skills on traditional medicine and improve security in the country.

This, according to him, will boost the development of local pharmaceutical raw materials and products, and equip local security groups with requisite skills to confront security challenges.

Bugaje described the SSCs as an “independent employer-led organisations” that build skills systems, adding that it would be driven by employer demand.

He said that the SSC on traditional medicine would effectively monitor and ensure that training in herbal medicine was delivered according to laid down rules.

He added that the council would supervise all training to ensure that the guidelines were followed appropriately.

The NBTE boss also said that the initiative would increase opportunities to boost skills and productivity of those working in herbal medicine.

He said that the NBTE has developed the National Occupational Standards (NOS) on herbal medicine practice.

He added that the NOS was developed after a series of workshops with relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, and herbal medicine practitioners across the six geo-political zones.

He said that the Director-General of the Raw Material Research and Development Council (RMRDC), would serve as the Chairman of the Council on traditional medicine with the RMRDC Headquarters as its secretariat.

On the Sector Skills Council on Homeland Security, Bugaje said that despite the huge investment in the security sector, criminal activities across the country were still on the rise.

“We have noticed a lot of challenges with respect to homeland security, especially with the effect of insurgency and banditry which have refused to go.

“The development is worrisome despite the massive resources being invested to tackle security challenges by successive governments.

“Boko Haram insurgency started in the North East and later spread to other parts of the country in the forms of banditry and other acts of criminality.

“This is largely because the local response to insurgency across the country was left for vigilante groups,” he said.

He pointed out that some of them were untrained, while others were without the necessary skills to effectively confront the bandits.

He said that the NBTE decided to work with key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to develop a training manual for the training of local vigilantes.

He added that the NBTE further set up the SSC on Homeland Security with the NSCDC as the awarding body.

Bugaje urged state governors in the country to partner with the Council and work out ways to train their respective local vigilantes for optimal service.

This, he said, would equip the local security outfits with the requisite skills and equipment to confront local security challenges.

In his remarks, Prof. Hussaini Ibrahim, Director-General, RMRDC, described the initiative as a “crucial step” towards industrialisation and self-reliance.

‘’It stands as a symbol of our dedication to harnessing our indigenous skills for sustainable economic development’.

‘RMRDC has over the years made tremendous efforts in the development of pharmaceutical raw materials and products,” he said.

Similarly, the Commandant-General, Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Dr Usman Jahun, commended the initiative, which he said, would significantly improve the performance informal security sector. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Philip Yatai

Sambo inducted into UK’s faculty of public health

Sambo inducted into UK’s faculty of public health

152 total views today

By Franca Ofili

Prof. Mohammed Sambo, Director-General, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has been inducted into the United Kingdom’s Faculty of Public Health as a Fellow Through Distinction.

The NHIA Deputy General Manager, Emmanuel Ononokpono, made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.

Ononokpono said the event also witnessed the induction of other eminent personalities into various categories of honour including the Mayor of London, Mr Sadiq Khan.

According to him, a fellow through distinction is the highest honour bestowed on an individual who is active in the academia.

He said that it was also a recognition of those who had made outstanding contributions in public health through leadership, research and presentation of concepts at national and international levels.

Ononokpono said Sambo had been the Head of Community Medicine and Deputy Dean, Faculty of Medicine, both roles at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

“He was also at a time the Proovost of the College of Medicine, Kaduna State University (KASU).

“He has been credited with raising the indices of health insurance in Nigeria under his watch as Chief Executive Officer of NHIA in the past four years.

“He has over 70 publications in his name,’’he said.

Ononokpono said, according to Sambo, the honour was in recognition of efforts being made by NHIA to accelerate the drive towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Sambo said: “It serves as a personal inspiration to fire on all cylinders for the improvement of Nigeria’s health insurance system.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Remi Koleoso/Bashir Rabe Mani

Association advocates laws, policies to support, regulate orphanages

Association advocates laws, policies to support, regulate orphanages

259 total views today

By Justina Auta

The Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON) has advocated for the review of existing laws and policies that defined the rights and protection of orphans in Nigeria.

The association made the call during its 2023 National Conference, themed: “Advocating for Change: Policy and Legislative Measures for Orphans Welfare,” on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Gabriel Oyediji, ASOHON’S National President, noted the increasing number of orphaned and vulnerable children in the society, calling for laws that will protect their rights and prioritise their well-being.

“We are advocating legislative policies and measures that establishes comprehensive legal frameworks that define the rights and protection of orphans, including access to education, healthcare, inheritance and legal representation.

“A proactive streamlining and harmonisation of adoption processes, reducing bureaucracy and ensuring the best interest of the child are prioritised while maintaining appropriate safeguards.

“Legislative policies and measures that strengthens foster care system including robust screening, training and support to foster families to provide stable and nurturing environment for orphaned children,” he said.

Oyediji also called for legislative policies that ensure availability of monthly grants for operators of registered homes as well as robust budgetary fund allocations to social development and humanitarian ministries across the country.

He said establishing mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability in the disbursement of funds and resources allocated for orphan welfare was also necessary to ensure accountability and address their challenges.

The ASOHON president also noted the issue of child trafficking and exploitation, financial constraints, emotional and psychological well-being of the orphans as some of the challenges facing orphans and orphanage operation.

“We cannot overlook the issue of child trafficking and exploitation, which poses a significant threat to the well-being of orphaned and vulnerable children.

“Criminal elements often prey on these children, exploiting their vulnerability for various purposes, including forced labour, sex trafficking and organ trafficking.

“As orphanage operators, we must be vigilant and implement stringent safeguards to protect the children under our care from such heinous acts.

“We must collaborate with law enforcement agencies, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and other stakeholders to create a robust child protection system that ensures the safety and security of every child,” he said.

He therefore urged all stakeholders, especially the orphanage operators, to continue to strive towards providing their needs, ensure they have access to education, healthcare and other necessary requirements.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day conference had in attendance orphanage operators, religious leaders, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Most schools in Oyo lack access to basic sanitation services- UNICEF 

Most schools in Oyo lack access to basic sanitation services- UNICEF 

175 total views today

 

By Akeem Abas

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says 74 per cent of schools in Oyo State exist without access to basic sanitation services.

Dr Emmanuel Orebiyi, the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Consultant in UNICEF’s Lagos office, disclosed this in Ibadan during a Menstrual Hygiene Management  (MHM) Stakeholders’ Engagement.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) with technical support from UNICEF.

It was organised to celebrate the 2023 Menstrual Hygiene Day in Oyo State.

In his presentation, Orebiyi said 91.4 per cent of schools in Oyo State did not have disposable mechanism for menstrual hygiene waste.

The UNICEF consultant, who sought the intervention of all stakeholders, including government, said that 0.4 per cent of schools in the state provided menstrual hygiene materials such as pad free.

Orebiyi said that only eight per cent of schools in Nigeria have girls toilets compartment with provisions for MHM.

“MHM should be a concern not only for women, but for men and women equally, as well as societies.

“I, therefore, urge governments to invoke the ethical principles of beneficence and healthcare justice for the development of coordinated health policy by all levels of government,” he said.

Orebiyi said such coordinated health policy would support the development and implementation of effective MHM programmes.

The UNICEF consultant said that empowering women through MHM involved providing education and awareness, as well as ensuring affordable and accessible menstrual products.

He called for improved MHM awareness, saying that effective action would lead to better reproductive health, better academic performance and greater self esteem.

Mr Adegoke Ayodele, RUWASSA Director of Community Mobilisation and Hygiene Education, said the programme was aimed at brainstorming and equipping girls of menstrual age with the required knowledge.

He listed mood swings, pains, stooling, vomiting, tiredness, amongst others, as the challenges experienced by some girls during menstrual periods.

Ayodele said Nigerians should be discouraged from believing in wrong myths about menstruation, calling for the creation of awareness through dissemination of appropriate information to the public.

“There is the need to improve pupils and teachers’ knowledge on menstruation hygiene, while promoting action on menstrual health,” he said.

Mrs Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole, UNICEF Representative, and Mr Olabode Popoola, a RUWASSA Director, highlighted the importance of the stakeholders’ engagement.

Akinola-Akinwole said the meeting was crucial to the development of the girl-child through eradication of menstrual poverty and promotion of sound menstrual health.

Popoola called for collective effort of all stakeholders towards ensuring effective MHM.

NAN reports that participants at the meeting, drawn from the media, state government ministries and parastatals as well as Civil Society  (CSOs), resolved to work towards the promotion of effective MHM.(NAN)

 

(Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Olawale Alabi)

Coldhubs unveils 5 units 20- tonnes refrigeration trucks to curb food wastage

Coldhubs unveils 5 units 20- tonnes refrigeration trucks to curb food wastage

205 total views today

By Fabian Ekeruche

ColdHubs, manufacturers of solar powered cold rooms, has unveiled  five units, 20-tonnes refrigerated trucks into its refrigeration transportation services in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the five additional refrigerated trucks make it a total of seven trucks ColdHubs is deploying to ensure the safe transportation, storage and distribution of temperate-sensitive products.

Speaking at the  “Launch, Showcase  and Induction” of the trucks in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of ColdHubs, Mr Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu, said that it’s innovation solutions was aimed  at reducing  food spoilage at key points along the food supply chain.

Ikegwuonu said that the core goal of its refrigerated transportation services is to ensure the safe transportation, storage and distribution of temperate sensitive products such as fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy produce, seafood, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, flowers, wines and other perishable goods.

He said that the trucks offered global standard refrigerated transportation pick-up and delivery for the aforementioned items across Nigeria and West Africa, always maintaining the integrity of all products.

The CEO said that the state-of-the art refrigerated trucks were insured and equipped with the latest tracking devices that keep the temperature of the product in check , controls the activities of the drivers and reports performance to customers in real time.

“Our services maintain the integrity of your products 100 per cent

“It increases your operational efficiency, increases production rates, inventory control and increases your customer and supplier satisfaction and experience,” Ikegwuonu said.

The CEO said that before expanding its operations to integrating refrigerated transportation services,
ColdHubs had installed and currently operates 58 solar powered  cold rooms in farms, aggregation centers and outdoor marketplaces across 28 states of Nigeria.

He said that the need to expand into refrigerated trucks came on the demand of it’s customers.

” Most of our customers came and said, Listen, it’s not enough to have cold rooms. We also need truck that will move our products from those your cozy rooms to our destination.

“So we tried initially with a van and it was successful. This is just the beginning of what we want to do.

“You know, what we want to do is to connect the whole cold chain so that you have refrigerated warehouses, you have the trucks and you have packaging materials, ” Ikegwuonu said.

He said that plans have been concluded to add more fleets to the trucks before the year ran out.

“So, the trucks that we are showcasing today is really to show that it is possible to have refrigerated trucks running in Nigeria for public use”.

He added that ColdHubs aim at eliminating the impact of food spoilage facing 470 million smallholder farmers globally due to lack of reliable and we’ll situated cold storage at key points within the food supply chain.

Highlights of the events was the official showcasing and induction of the trucks into ColdHubs refrigeration transportation services. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

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