NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Environment

U-Save foundation donates solar borehole to FCT community

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By Akpan Glory

U-Save Foundation, an NGO has unveiled a solar-powered borehole to improve Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services in Area E community Nyanya, a satellite town in the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaking at the commissioning on Saturday, the Executive Director of the foundation, Uju Rochas-Anwuka said the project aims to provide residents with access to clean water.

She also emphasised the importance of educating the community on basic hygiene and sanitation, stressing that these are vital for fostering healthier lives and stronger communities.

Rochas-Anwuka further noted that the community was chosen for the intervention following rigorous evaluations, meeting the criteria to qualify for the initiative.

Olu-Daniels Ibiyemi, Director IV of Water Quality Control and Sanitation at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, commended the foundation for its commitment to sustainable development.

He highlighted the organisation’s role in advancing the national water strategy by employing renewable energy to enhance water access.

Ibiyemi assured that the Ministry would continue to collaborate with stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations, to develop solutions that ensure all Nigerians have access to safe and clean water.

He described the project as an important step towards building a more resilient and water-secure future for the country.

Paul Akawu, Youth Leader of Pyape and representative of the District Head of Nyanya, expressed appreciation for the borehole, urging the community to take responsibility for its maintenance.

He encouraged residents to contribute a token towards its upkeep to ensure its sustainable use.

Similarly, Asabe Sani, a community leader in Area E, Nyanya, thanked the foundation for providing access to safe and clean water.

She said that the intervention had significantly reduced their struggles, as they previously had to walk several kilometres to fetch clean water.

Sani expressed hope for continued support from the foundation to address other pressing needs in the community.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the foundation is dedicated to creating a healthy and resilient society transformed by sustainable WASH practices, alongside climate change adaptation measures.

According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 2.2 billion people lack safe drinking water, while 4.2 billion lack adequate sanitation, leaving one in three people without these basic human rights. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

General News

Foundation empowers SERVICOM staff with skills for better service delivery

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By Angela Atabo

An NGO, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, has empowered SERVICOM staff members with advanced skills for better public service delivery.

National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer of SERVICOM, Mrs Nnenna Akajemeli, made this known at a four-day monitoring and evaluation (M&E) training programme, organised for the organisation’s officials on Monday in Abuja.

Akajemeli said that the initiative represented an important step toward promoting transparency, accountability and efficiency in public service delivery.

“Following the partnership agreement signed with SERVICOM in July 2024, SERVICOM, which stands for Service Compact, ensures Nigerian citizens receive quality services from ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

“To support SERVICOM’s important role in public service, the foundation assessed the skills of its staff to identify any gap that might impact their work.

“The assessment showed that improving monitoring and evaluation skills could help staff develop and oversee standard operating procedures across public institutions, leading to better services for Nigerians,” she said.

Akajemeli said that the training programme, delivered by Workforce Group, equipped SERVICOM staff members with important skills in data collection and analysis, modern software tools and effective evaluation methods.

She said that participants learned how to create standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve operations and service delivery as well as to monitor their application across MDAs.

The national coordinator further stated that the training enabled the participants to assess the services provided by MDAs and ensure that they were up to standard, resulting in better outcomes for citizens.

“The training, supported by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and delivered under our partnership with the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, improves on our existing capabilities.

“It empowers SERVICOM to fulfill its mission of ensuring quality public service delivery.

“We are excited about the impacts this programme will have on Nigeria’s public service landscape,” she said.

Also speaking, Head of Operations at SERVICOM and participant, Mrs Ngozi Akinbodewa, said that the training had helped in broadening her knowledge in many ways.

“I learned how to create standard operating procedures during the training.

“Developing these procedures will improve our operations by clearly defining roles and responsibilities,” she said.

Executive Vice-Chair of the foundation, Mrs Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, said that the training represented a key step toward improving the experiences of Nigerians who relied on public services.

Aig-Imoukhuede said that it would also boost the skills of SERVICOM staffers, improve accountability and transparency across MDAs and set a standard for lasting improvements in public services delivery to citizens.

She said that through the programme, SERVICOM staffers were better prepared to implement effective monitoring and evaluation practices that would improve public service delivery across MDAs.

“They can use data-driven insights to identify service gaps, improve public satisfaction and ensure that MDAs meet their commitments to Nigerian citizens,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu and ‘Wale Sadeeq

Science & Tech

ASRIC urges African scientists to lay foundations for new scientific era

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By Tolu Aiyegbusi

The Chairman of the African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (ASRIC), Prof.  Sammy Chumbow, has urged African scientists to lay foundations for a new science and technology era using innovation and research.

Chumbow made the call on Friday in his closing remarks at the 7th ASRIC Congress in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

He said the transition into a scientific era as Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA) 2024 has ended and Africa was set to adopt the policy strategy of STISA 2024.

Chumbow said, “The strategy aims to guide the continent’s STI development over the next decade.

“Therefore, African scientists should harness the power of science, technology, and innovation to drive economic growth, sustainable development, and global competitiveness.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that STISA-2024 is the first of the ten-year incremental phasing strategies to respond to demands for STI in different sectors.

They include:  Agriculture, energy, environment, health and security, among others.

STISA-2034 will build on the successes of its predecessor, STISA-2024, and address emerging challenges and opportunities in Africa’s STI landscape.

STISA-2034 was validated by the African stakeholders in STI in November 2024 and will be endorsed at the AU Summit in February 2025.

The chairman stated that this development marked a significant milestone in Africa’s quest to harness the power of science which should be tapped into by African scientists.

Chumbow added that the strategy would reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of African countries, which should foster a united approach by African scientists to STI development on the continent.

He also called on the council’s Bureau to study the objectives and mandates of ASRIC guidelines so as to sharpen their focus on initiatives that produce continental and regional STI development.

Chumbow urged the bureau’s members not to lose touch with research institutions and university officials and to adopt the principles of focal point so as to make a difference in their fields.

The Executive Director, African Union Scientific and Technical Research Commission (AUSTRC) and ASRIC, Dr Ahmed Hamdy, in his closing remarks, said entering another transition period marks a major shift in innovations.

“Coming forward from where we are where the changes are so obvious, entering a period of major transition globally. We are facing several challenges spanning from climate change, emerging diseases among others.

“Let us as scientists look at each of these challenges separately to have a better understanding of how best we can tackle them using STI,’’ he said.

Hamdy said that the challenges of global change required a transition not only in society but also in the scientific community which scientists should rise up to.

“Global change poses unprecedented challenges to scientific and policy communities, a kind that cannot be tackled using existing conceptual frameworks and methods.

“They are likely to change how we live and relate with each other and scientists should rise to the occasion,’’ he said. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Defence/Security

Foundation mobilises 500 FCT students to fight drug abuse

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By Philip Yatai

Al Masaareef Foundation, working to address gaps in education, healthcare and sustainable development, has mobilised 500 secondary school students to fight drug abuse among youths in Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The foundation’s initiator and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Hauwa Wambai, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday at its Rise Above Conference with the theme, “United for a Drug-Free Life”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference was organised in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Wambai explained that each of the 500 students, drawn from 62 wards across the six area councils of the FCT, would be expected to train five other persons.

She added that each of the five would also train at least one person; a strategy expected to reach at least 2,500 youths with key messages against drug abuse.

Describing drug abuse as a menace to society, the founder says it also robs drug abusers of their integrity and self-respect.

According to her, drug and substance abuse leaves parents traumatised and devastated, while the youths, who indulge in the practice, are usually affected educationally, economically and socially.

“This is why today’s message is ‘Rise Above: United for a Drug-Free Society’.

“This means that the drug fight is not only for the NDLEA, who have the mandate to fight drugs in Nigeria.

“It is a societal issue that concerns parents, traditional rulers, religious rulers, the students themselves, and non-governmental organisations among others.

“So, united we stand at the community level, at the national level and the individual level.

“We all have to join our hands together to fight drug abuse and totally eradicate it in our society,” she said.

The NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, said the prevalence of drug and substance abuse was higher among people between the ages of 25 and 39 years.

“This is the productive age group of any country. So, we are in a big mess with drug abuse in Nigeria.

“We need to start doing something as soon as possible,” said Marwa, who was represented by Mrs Chizoba Etuka, the agency’s Assistant Director, NGO and Liaison.

The NDLEA boss said efforts were ongoing to prevent, educate and treat drug abusers.

He identified prevention as the key to winning the war against drug abuse, adding that prevention should, however, begin early enough by catching the youths at younger ages.

“We are going to schools to educate students because we want to catch them young; we don’t want to wait until it becomes a big problem.

“We are being proactive,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mrs Josie Mudashiru, founder, JAM Intervention for Vulnerable Children and Climate Change Initiative, identified partnership as critical to reducing the prevalence of drug abuse among Nigerian youths.

Expressing concern over the rate of drug use among youths, Mudashiru says it is not enough to keep saying the children or the youths are the future of Nigeria.

“If we don’t do anything about it now, then we will not have who to hand over Nigeria’s future to.

“We want to try to catch them young so that they will know the effects of drug abuse and stay away from it,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Moses Solanke

Business , Defence/Security

Drug abuse destroying Nigeria’s future leaders – Etsu Kwali

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By Philip Yatai

Mr Luka Nizassan, Etsu of Kwali, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says Nigeria’s future is at stake following the high rate of drug abuse among the youths.

Nizassan expressed the concern in Abuja on Tuesday, at a one-day Rise Above Conference, with the theme, “United for a Drug-free Life.”

The conference was organised by Al Masaareef Foundation, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), targeting more than 500 secondary school students.

He pointed out that Nigeria was losing potential future leaders who were addicted to drug and substance abuse.

He said that the prevalence of drug and substance abuse was alarming, not only among the youths, but even adults, particularly parents.

“Unfortunately, even some of the mentors and educators ate into drugs and it has become conventional that nobody sees anything wrong with it.

“The songs that we listen to today are promoting drugs.

“Drug abuse is prevalent everywhere, in the market, it’s in mosques, it’s in churches, in villages and in the government; it is everywhere.

“Until we decide to be concerted in our efforts towards dealing with drug related issues, our nation will not have the leaders that will take over this country tomorrow,” he said.

He said that the key stimulant to insecurity in the country was drug abuse, adding that a lot of persons were making money out of it, “yet, it is destroying the fabrics of this nation.”

The royal father advised students to be among persons that would rise above drug abuse, responsible for 40 per cent of Nigeria’s problems, particularly insecurity.

Nizassan said that insecurity had continued to stall development in the country because the problem of drug abuse, its key stimulant, had not been addressed.

According to him, stakeholders must stop paying lip service to drug abuse and be deliberate about addressing the menace.

“First, we need to crack down all the channels where these drugs are made available.

“As stakeholders, we need to wake up to our responsibilities and tackle the challenge, from where the drugs are produced to where the end users are.

“We all have roles to play at various stages of the supply chain, and when we wake up to our roles, we will be able to address the issue of drugs squarely.

“Until stakeholders wake up to their responsibilities, Nigeria will not be able to address the problem of drug abuse that is already affecting the future of children in the country.”

At community level, the royal father said that community leaders have a role to play in changing the narrative through concerted advocacies against drug abuse.

“We will continue to speak to our people, speak to our women, to our children, and our religious leaders,” he said.

Earlier, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Al Masaareef Foundation, Dr Hauwa Wambai, said that the 500 secondary school students were being mobilised to fight drug abuse among youth in the FCT.

Wambai explained that each of the 500 students, drawn from 62 wards across the six area councils of the FCT, would be expected to train five persons.

She added that each of the five persons would also train at least one person, adding that the strategy was expected to reach at least 2,500 youths with key messages against drug abuse. (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Environment

World Toilet Day: NNPC Foundation advocates better sanitation policies, infrastructure

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By Emmanuella Anokam

The NNPC Foundation Limited has reiterated its commitment to promote global awareness and advocacy for better policies to mitigate sanitation crisis.

Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director NNPC Foundation Ltd., made this known on Tuesday while commemorating the 2024 World Toilet Day (WTD) at the Junior Secondary School, Peyi, Bwari Area Council, Abuja.

Arukwe underscored the need to invest in sanitation infrastructure to ensure cleaner water, healthier communities and sustainable ecosystems.

“NNPC Foundation is deeply committed to contributing to this global effort,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Toilet Day is celebrated annually on Nov. 19, to raise awareness on the lack of access to safe toilets and sanitation for billions of people worldwide.

The campaign inspires action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-6, “Water and Sanitation for all by 2030”.

This year’s campaign with the theme “Toilet, a Place for Peace”, emphasises the role of safe toilets as a space for protection and progress.

Worldwide, 4.2 billion people live without safely managed sanitation and around 673 million people practise open defecation.

Arukwe, represented by Dr David Bala, Executive Director, Programme Development, NNPC Foundation Ltd., said by aligning its actions with SDG-6, it would ensure that it created a world where no one would be left behind.

“Our initiative focuses on raising awareness, advocating for better sanitation policies and supporting installation of clean and safe toilets in underprivileged areas.

“Today, 3.5 billion people lack access to safely managed sanitation, a statistics that highlights the scale of the global sanitation crisis (UN-Water, 2024).

“According to UNICEF, approximately 48 million Nigerians practise open defecation and only 10 per cent of the population have access to combined basic water, sanitation and hygiene services.

“This lack of access contributes significantly to the spread of diseases such as diarrhoea which claims the lives of over 70,000 Nigerian children under the age of five annually,” she said.

Arukwe added that sanitation was a pressing concern in the country, and that the absence of proper sanitation facilities continued to disproportionately affect women and girls.

This, she said, put them at risk of harassment and violence in public spaces.

She explained that inadequate sanitation could lead to learning disruptions at school for many girls, as they were often forced to stay home during menstruation due to the absence of hygienic facilities in schools.

“According to a report by UNICEF in 2023, improving sanitation access could boost attendance rates for adolescent girls by 11 per cent in low-income countries.

“Statistics from the World Health Organisation in 2023 says that 80 per cent of the wastewater from human activities flows back into the ecosystem untreated, thereby causing widespread environmental harm.

“As students and future leaders, your role in this movement is to share the knowledge you gain here today with your families and communities.

“Advocate for improved sanitation in your schools and public spaces and be part of the conversations that normalise discussions about toilets and hygiene, which aims to break down taboos and drive meaningful change.

“Remember, every small action counts. Let us work together to flush away the global sanitation crisis,” Arukwe added.

Earlier, the school Principal, Mr Bako Kumbam, commended the foundation for the programme, noting that it would sustain the campaign and promote understanding of the role of sanitation in disease prevention and health improvement.

Speaking on the programme, Miss Cynthia Otanwo, Head Girl of the school, while expressing satisfaction with the programme, thanked the NNPC Foundation for the enlightenment and exposure to sanitary etiquettes on toilet usage.

Master Moses Ifeanyichukwu, Head Boy of the school, said that ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’.

He urged the Federal Government to build more public toilets to prevent open defecation to avert diseases. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

General News

Global peace foundation trains traditional, religious leaders on conflict resolution

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By Amen Gajira

A Non-Governmental Organisation, Global Peace Foundation (GBF), has trained traditional and religious leaders in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

Rev. John Hayab, Country Director of GBF, at the training in Kaduna, emphasised the importance of building the capacity of community leaders to become active instruments for resolving conflicts.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training, conducted in partnership with S.H.Makeri Consult, aims to empower community leaders with the capacity to resolve disputes amicably.

According to Hayab, humanity cannot be separated from differences, and sometimes managing those differences may result in conflict.

He noted that it was crucial for grassroots leaders to exhaust all available avenues to resolve disputes that often lead to violent conflicts in communities.

In his remarks, Sheikh Halliru Maraya, GBF’s Northern Co-ordinator, underscored the pivotal role of community leaders in shaping the destiny of their communities.

Mr Stephen Makeri, former Customary Court of Appeal President, Kaduna State, highlighted the benefits of adopting ADR practices in reducing the number of cases in courts.

On her part, Ms Dorcas Daniel, Director at the Multi-Door Courthouse, Kaduna High Court, emphasised the importance of ADR in resolving disputes, citing its time-saving, cost-effective, and relationship-building benefits.

She said that the training covered ADR mechanisms, types of mediation, and the Multi-Door Courthouse system.

Also, Usman Idris, a legal practitioner, presented a paper on the role of Sulhu (Arabic term for reconciliation) in contemporary dispute resolution.

The Agwom Kachia, Zamani Dogonyaro, commended the organisers of the training and pledged to step down the training in communities within his domain. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

General News

Broadcasters want policy to guide ethical, responsible broadcasting

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By Emmanuel Mogbede

The Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB) on Monday in Abuja emphasised the need for a National Information Policy as a foundation to guide ethical and responsible broadcasting across the country.

Mr Ismail Sani, Vice-President (North-Central Zone), of the SNB, in a statement, said that such policy would ensure consistent and fair dissemination of accurate information to the public.

He said it would also ensure equal access to reliable information across regions of Nigeria, including rural areas.

“It will also promote media independence balanced with accountability to support the industry’s role in national development,” he said.

Sani said that the SNB, at its recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Lafia, resolved to collaborate with government bodies, regulatory authorities and private sector partners.

He said the essence was to advocate for priorities to create a broadcasting environment that would serve public interest, support national development goals and uphold the integrity of the Nigerian media on local and international platforms.

“While recognising the risks associated with the profession, the SNB called for stronger security measures to protect broadcasters, including physical security, for those working in challenging or high-risk environments.

“The SNG also called for cyber-security measures to protect data and infrastructure from digital threats, safeguarding the integrity of information,” he said.

He reiterated SNB’s commitment to welfare and continuous professional training programmes to equip broadcasters with skills in emerging technologies, ethical journalism and industry best practices.

Sani assured Nigerians that the society would pursue welfare initiatives aimed at supporting broadcasters’ well-being, enhanced job security and improved working conditions to promote motivation and long-term dedication to the profession.

He appealed to government at all levels to provide appropriate incentives to media houses to ameliorate the cost of energy that had forced some broadcasting stations to reduce hours of transmission.(NAN)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

Education

Foundation inaugurates robotics, AI coding initiative in Abuja school

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By Diana Omueza/Angela Atabo

Quearex Tech Empowerment Foundation, in partnership with Orixine Consulting, has inaugurated a pioneering two-day robotics and AI coding programme at Government Secondary School (GSS) Kubwa, Abuja.

Mr Sunday Agbo, Director-General of Quearex Tech Empowerment Foundation, on Thursday in Abuja, said the initiative commemorates the 2024 International Code Week.

He said the programme aimed to equip secondary school students with essential skills to thrive in a tech-driven world, providing hands-on experience in AI and coding.

“This initiative inspires creativity, fosters problem-solving skills, and promotes teamwork.

“By focusing on foundational knowledge of AI and robotics, we empower students to navigate the rapidly advancing technological landscape,” Agbo said.

Agbo emphasised the importance of preparing Nigerian students for digitalised learning, pledging to provide tools, guidance, and support to develop young talents.

Mr Audu Arome, Executive Director of Orixine Consulting, highlighted the significance of partnerships in achieving sustainable impact in technology-based education.

“Collaboration creates an environment where young people gain essential skills to thrive in a competitive landscape.

“The coding and AI programme aligns with the Federal Government’s directive to integrate robotics and AI into the basic education curriculum,” Arome said.

Arome noted that emerging technologies could help reduce inequality and bolster economic growth, emphasising the potential for Nigeria to leverage AI in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

He said through workshops like this, students would develop practical solutions to real-world challenges, preparing them for future opportunities in a globally interconnected workforce.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Health

Foundation, LUTH record 1st feat in bone marrow transplant

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By Vivian Ihechu

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria (SCFN) on Tuesday announced its first successful bone marrow transplant (BMT).

 

Its Chairman, Chief Tunde Afolabi, announced this at a media briefing in Lagos, on the BMT Programme.

 

Afolabi, who joined virtually, said SCFN achieved the historic breakthrough, in partnership with Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), by establishing a state-of-the-art BMT Centre in Lagos.

 

According to Vanderbilt University, sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that causes the red blood cells to be shaped like a crescent. Red blood cells are normally shaped like a disc.

 

Normal red blood cells are able to flow freely within the blood vessel, carrying oxygen throughout the body.

 

But, the abnormal cells, shaped like a crescent, are sticky and clump together, blocking blood flow around the body. Serious infections, pain and organ damage can occur.

 

On BMT, it is done by taking cells that are made in the bone marrow called stem cells.

 

These stem cells are filtered, and are given back to the donor (autologous transplant) or to another person (allogeneic transplant).

 

The goal of BMT is to put healthy stem cells into a person after their own unhealthy bone marrow has been treated to kill the abnormal cells.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that BMT is currently the only known cure for sickle cell disorder.

 

Afolabi said: “Last month, September 2024, our first two patients, one paediatric and one adult, were admitted to the SCFN/LUTH BMT Centre.

 

“Following weeks of preparation, including chemotherapy and blood transfusions, bone marrow stem cells were harvested from family donors and infused into the patients.

 

“I am delighted and thankful to inform you that, after weeks of meticulous, painstaking, expert care, both patients have now been discharged from the hospital, but will continue to be followed up.

 

“Strategic partnerships and collaborations gave life to this remarkable achievement.

 

“SCFN has an amazing partnership with LUTH and I want to appreciate the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, the previous CMDs Professors Akin Osibogun and Chris Bode – and the entire LUTH team.’’

 

He also thanked the technical and medical expertise of LUTH’s multidisciplinary team, and the constant supervision of the Visiting Consultant, Prof. Adetola Kassim and his team of international experts.

 

Afolabi said: “Our BMT Programme enjoyed training oversight from Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S., where our doctors went for BMT training – haematologists, paediatricians, adult physicians and radiologists.

 

“This was under the auspicious leadership of Prof. Adetola Kassim, a Professor of Medicine (Haematology/Oncology) & Clinical Director of the Adult Stem Cell Transplant Programme at Vanderbilt University Medical Centre.

 

“BMT training was also provided for the nurses on the programme by Sankalp India Foundation and the Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (WBMT).’’

 

Speaking on Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD), Afolabi said the disorder remained a significant public health problem globally.

 

According to him, it affects nearly 100 million people and accounts for over 50 per cent of deaths among those with the most severe form of the disease.

 

“In Sub Saharan Africa, where approximately 70 per cent of sickle cell births occur, inadequate management has led to a high mortality rate before the age of five.

 

“In Nigeria, he said that 150,000 babies were born annually with SCD, and over 100,000 die before their fifth birthday.

 

“In addition, an estimated 50 million people carry the sickle cell trait and are at risk of passing the disorder to their offspring.

 

“With the average life expectancy of individuals in Nigeria living with SCD at only 20 years, the need for access to effective treatment and cure has never been more urgent,” he said.

 

On the cost for the marrow transplants, Afolabi said: “These bone marrow transplants that we have carried out, while groundbreaking, remain expensive.

 

“SCFN aims to make it accessible to those in need. Many individuals with SCD live below the poverty line and face significant barriers to care.

 

“This underscores the critical need for multi-sectoral collaborations and funding support to create a sustainable model for treating SCD in Nigeria.’’

 

According to him, to address these challenges, SCFN is currently developing the Access to Care Programme, a digital platform that connects sponsors with patients in need of financial support, while transparently tracking funding and treatment progress.

 

He appealed for partnerships with government bodies, private organisations, and philanthropists to expand the programme.

 

“Together, we can make this life-saving cure more accessible for all Nigerians living with sickle cell disorder who qualify for it.’’

 

The SCFN chairman commended Prof. Olu Akinyanju, the Founder of SCFN, whose vision and drive catalysed the realisation of the establishment of the SCFN/LUTH BMT Centre and programme.

 

He also acknowledged the Lagos state government for the role played in the SCFN/LUTH Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Centre.

 

According to him, the state government provided the initial funding for the civil works at the Olikoye Ransome-Kuti Children Emergency Centre, LUTH, where the BMT Centre is now strategically located.

 

He also commended NNPC/Chevron JV, and well-meaning individuals who gave generously to the development of the BMT Centre, and the Board members of SCFN.

 

Afolabi recognised the conscientious efforts of the National Director of SCFN, Dr Annette Akinsete, for her unwavering commitment and for expertly coordinating partnerships to ensure the BMT project was brought to fruition.

 

Akinsete in her remarks said: “The SCFN/LUTH Bone Marrow Transplant Centre is the first of its kind in West-Africa, and we are proud to offer a safe, quality, and accessible cure for sickle cell disorder here in Nigeria.

 

“We have always believed that Nigerians deserve access to world-class healthcare at home, and this is now a reality in Nigeria.’’

 

Similarly, Kassim said: “We are proud to have played a part in this groundbreaking initiative with SCFN and LUTH.

 

“The success of this global collaboration represents a major step forward in ensuring that the latest medical technologies and treatments are accessible to all, regardless of location.”

 

In her documented appreciation, the mother of one of the discharged patients, said: “Our bone marrow transplant experience has been remarkable, filled with hope and certainty.

 

“I felt confident in the exceptional care we received at the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria/LUTH BMT Centre. From the moment of admission to discharge, the medical staff provided round-the clock attention.

 

“The post-transplant care has also been thorough and attentive, with regular check-ins, adjustments to medication, and detailed follow-up tests.

 

“I truly couldn’t ask for a better experience. The cost of treatment abroad was simply too high.

 

“I am deeply thankful to SCFN for their dedication in making this cure possible and accessible, turning hope into a reality for us and so many others. It’s hard to put into words how grateful l feel.’’

 

Commenting, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, CMD of LUTH, said, “Partnering with SCFN on this historic project underscores our shared commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for Nigerians living with sickle cell disorder.

 

“This BMT Centre is a major leap forward in offering accessible treatment for those who need it most.”

 

Adeyemo was represented at the event by Prof. Bello Babawale, the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), LUTH. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola

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