Bamidele Okoli, a Professor of Natural Product Chemistry at Bingham University, Karu, has advocated greater reliance on natural resources to address health and environmental challenges.
Okoli made the call during the university’s 7th Inaugural Lecture on Tuesday, in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture is titled “The Gift of Mother Nature: The Key to Utopia.”
He defined “utopia” as an ideal ecosystem where humans and nature coexist harmoniously, comparable to the biblical Garden of Eden.
Speaking on the topic, Okoli emphasised that the best approach to solving current health and environmental problems was by depending more on natural resources.
He noted that synthetic products and fossil fuels, which were often used in modern solutions, could actually contribute to the very problems they were meant to solve.
“Most of our drugs are synthesised and some are produced using fossil fuels.
“In the process of developing these synthetic drugs, we inadvertently create more health and environmental challenges.
“The best solution is to rely more on natural resources in addressing health issues and building a utopian nation through natural products.
“A utopian society, in this context, is one where we tackle these issues using what nature provides,” he said.
Okoli urged the Federal Government to prioritise the development and utilisation of Nigeria’s abundant natural resources for health and environmental benefits.
“The government can use the National Orientation Agency to promote the importance and benefits of our natural resources.
“Likewise, agencies like NAFDAC should support the production and use of natural resource-based drugs.
“We can’t keep losing out on what makes us African,” he added.
While acknowledging the challenges in translating research into commercial applications, he stressed the need for greater investment in sustainable practices and public education to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern science.
Earlier in his welcome address, Prof. Haruna Ayuba, Vice Chancellor of Bingham University, commended Okoli for delivering his inaugural lecture and noted its significance in advancing academic culture.
Ayuba expressed his satisfaction that the university was strengthening its academic tradition through regular public and inaugural lectures.
“By the time we reach the tenth inaugural lecture, we will compile and publish a volume, our first official collection of inaugural lectures,” he said, adding that copies would be available for interested readers.
He emphasised that inaugural lectures reinforced values such as scholarship, research, excellence, interdisciplinary dialogue, and knowledge sharing within the university system.
“It is a forum that brings together students, staff, and the public, fostering stronger ties between the university and society,” he said.
Describing the lecture as timely and relevant, Ayuba said it explored how nature and ecosystems contributed to building an ideal society, stressing coexistence and mutual respect.
“It reminds us of the profound relationship humanity shares with nature, a connection that influences our lives, culture, and sustainability.
“As we celebrate the gifts of mother nature, we must also acknowledge our responsibility to preserve, conserve, and manage the environment sustainably for future generations,” he added. (NAN)
Prof. Qrisstuberg Amua, the Executive Director, Centre for Food Safety and Agricultural Research (CEFSAR), says that Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) induced foods or grains are harmful to health.
Amua said this during a news conference in Abuja on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that GMOs are plants, animals, or microbes that have had their DNA changed using genetic engineering techniques to achieve desired outcomes.
Such outcomes could be improved shelf life, increased yield or pest resistance.
Amua alleged that GMOs had the potential of causing colon cancers.
“Many of the GMO-induced foods don’t digest and as such can cause colon cancer,” he said.
The don, who called for outright rejection of GMOs, said it could alter human’s natural features.
“It can cause impotency, it can cause infertility for both men and women,’’ he said.
He advocated strong political will to resist the proliferation of GMOs in the country even as he commended some African countries for rejecting it.
Amua dismissed insinuations that GMOs could guarantee food security, saying that it was disastrous and genocidal.
Also Speaking, the Deputy Director, CEFSAR, Dr Segun Adebayo, urged the media to rise to the occasion in the fight against GMOs.
Adebayo said it was time to interrogate claims about GMOs which were presented as facts.
According to him, it is time for us to begin to do our own research and say no to some of the imported ideas that tend to enable our self-destruction.
He explained that GMOs were not regenerative and therefore antithetical to the natural law of regeneration.
Adebayo warned against the complicity of some government officials who promote GMOs for whatever reason. (NAN)
The Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) in Niger has urged the state government to increase its members’ salaries due to the hazardous nature of their jobs.
The state Chairman of the union, Usman Abubakar-Dabban, made the request at a reception organised for the workers to mark the International Workers Day in Minna on Thursday.
He said that since health workers were game-changers, there was the need to increase their wages.
According to Abubakar-Dabban, an increase of 150 per cent will justify the critical role health workers play in the system.
He lauded the governor and the Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, for implementing the new minimum wage of N80,000, which was above what was recommended by the Federal Government.
He hailed the deputy governor for initiating the building of the union’s hall when he was the chairman of the union, which would be inaugurated soon.
He urged the union members to adhere to the ethics of the profession to ensure they enjoy the welfare they crave for from the state government.
Earlier in his remarks, Aminu Yusuf, Special Adviser to Niger governor on Labour Matters, lauded the workers for the reception.
Yusuf said workers day was a day for labour leaders to take stock of their achievements, consolidate on them and identify new challenges, so that they could open a new chapter towards addressing them.(NAN)
Mrs Oghogho Musa, wife of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has urged military and police personnel’s wives to engage in regular physical exercise to boost their mental and physical health.
Musa, who is also the President, Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), made the call at the DEPOWA monthly aerobics and health walk on Saturday in Abuja.
She said that the association would add hiking and yoga to the monthly exercise to encourage the women to continue doing the exercise on their own at home.
According to her, a platform has been created for all the women to post videos of their ‘daily walk for life’ exercise to know whether they are keeping up with what they are doing.
“Also, the control of our food is very important because 80 per cent of our overall living is the food we take in, while exercise takes only 20 per cent, just to tone our body.
“So, we are encouraging all of us to be ready to drop your videos and be ready to encourage your sister.
“Now, whatever exercise you are doing, whether aerobics, whether walk, anything, we will drop it and then we will keep track just to encourage every one of us,” she said.
Mrs Salamatu Gbajabiamila, wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, who was the Guest of Honour, commended the DEPOWA President for the initiative to promote physical fitness among women.
She said that walking around the neighborhood was more beneficial, adding that it did not require having any exercise equipment.
Also, popular Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, who was part of the exercise, stressed the importance of physical exercise in preventing health problems.
She said it was also essential to eat right and walk out especially for pregnant women.
According to her, when a pregnant woman is healthy, the baby in her womb will be healthy, and her husband will be good.
“So, let’s do better. Eat right, walk out because when you are sane and you are in a good place, your family moves forward,” she said.
Dr Oluwayemisi Adegboye of Defence Health Maintenance Limited, said that physical activity was the best medicine, gift and investment to cater for all types of mental diseases.
Adegboye said that physical exercise could help reduce the chance of developing hypertension, diabetes, obesity, arthritis and anything that has to do with mental problems.
“So we need to begin to halt, stop and then reverse through physical activity,” she added. (NAN)
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)
Lorenzo Mba, Founder, Waka Community International Foundation, has urged Nigerians to embrace walking to help prevent or manage conditions including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer and type 2 diabetes.
Mba gave the advice on Saturday in Lagos during a walk event with Q-life Family Clinic and Health Emergency Initiative (HEI) to honour Dr Ade Alakija.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late Alakija, who passed in 2022, was the Chairman, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) Board.
The Waka founder added that walking also helped improve cardiovascular fitness.
He said the walk, in its third edition, was held to immortalise Alakija who wore many caps and was a pioneer member of Waka Community International Foundation.
“Today’s walk and free health check for interested participants and the public is driven by our conviction that a healthy Nigeria is a wealthy Nigeria.
“It provides us with the opportunity to inform, educate and persuade Nigerians and indeed the world, to take personal responsibility for their wellness by walking, eating right, hydrating well, getting enough quality sleep.
“And for those above 45, some strength training to maintain muscle mass which is essential for aging healthily,” he said.
Mba also encouraged Nigerians to walk a minimum of 30 minutes daily, eat healthy in small portions, drink lots of water and get adequate sleep to be fitter, leaner, healthier and ultimately happier.
He described walking as the oldest and safest form of physical exercise that was non-discriminatory on grounds of age, gender, level of physical fitness or location.
“We encourage everyone to walk indoors or outdoors depending on choice, safety or convenience.
“Walking is also inexpensive as one can walk bare feet indoors and on beaches,” he said.
Mr Paschal Achunine, Executive Director, Health Emergency Initiative (HEI), said walking was a call to healthy living without strain.
He said HEI would continue to train first responders and enlighten the general public on practical steps to save lives.
“Exercise is an escape route for certain diseases and calling people’s attention to exercise is a noble move that the late Alakija stood for,” he said.
Ola Alakija, younger brother to the late Alakija, said the honorary walk ensured that his legacy and memory was preserved.
He added that exercising was a great form of tribute to him particularly in view of his passion to bring health to the world. (NAN)
Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has completed a ministerial inspection of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria’s (NAHCON) medical facilities in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Muhammad Musa, Head of Public Affairs, NAHCON, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.
Musa said that the visit signals a transformative era in federal dedication to pilgrims healthcare services.
He said that during a visit to NAHCON’s Ummul-Jud office, Pate assured NAHCON of a comprehensive support towards tackling critical healthcare challenges faced by Nigerian pilgrims.
“His statement underscored a profound federal resolve, reflecting heightened prioritisation of pilgrim welfare by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“Our commitment is clear. Given the global health landscape ranging from meningitis outbreaks to polio concerns it is imperative we meet and exceed Saudi Arabia’s health requirements.
“Ensuring credible vaccination documentation, including yellow cards for all Nigerian pilgrims, is non-negotiable,” Musa quoted Pate as saying.
Musa said the health minister, who was accompanied by senior health ministry delegates, inspected NAHCON’s ambulance fleet, reviewed medical supplies inventories, and assessed equipment readiness at Nigerian health clinics.
He pointed out that the visit highlighted key areas for improvement, including increasing availability of essential medicines, vaccines, medical apparatus, and operational ambulances.
NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, lauded the Minister’s initiative, emphasising its significance.
“Your presence and involvement signify an extraordinary commitment that bolsters confidence in our healthcare delivery. This unprecedented engagement will undeniably facilitate a smoother and safer 2025 Hajj experience for our pilgrims.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an approximately 70,000 Nigerians annually performed the sacred pilgrimage.
Pate’s direct engagement underscores an essential advancement in governmental oversight and proactive healthcare planning during this significant Islamic ritual.
The minister also addressed emerging concerns, notably climate-induced extreme hot weather during the 2025 upcoming Hajj, committing to proactive measures to safeguard pilgrims’ well-being.
This inspection is expected to foster enhanced interagency collaboration between the Health Ministry and NAHCON as well as ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims receive exceptional medical care during their spiritual journey.
NAHCON reiterates its unwavering dedication to transparency, exceptional service delivery and the continuous enhancement of pilgrim welfare.
The inspection was also witnessed by the Commissioner Operations, PRSILS and PPMF, Prince Anofi’u Elegusi, Prof. Abubakar Yagawal, Prince Abdul-Razaq Aliyu, and the Board Member representing the Federal Health Ministry Dr Sa’edu Dumbulwa.
Also in attendance were Secretary to the Commission, Dr Mustapha Ali, Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, Saudi liaison officer, Abubakar Lamin and other NAHCON staff.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
By Cecilia Ologunagba, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
When the Federal Executive Council approved the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, it was welcomed with excitement by many Nigerians.
The new policy, which was unveiled by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, aims to address the japa syndrome among healthcare professionals and build a spirited and well-incentivised healthcare system.
“The National Policy on Health Workforce Migration is a comprehensive strategy to manage and reverse the migration of healthcare professionals.
“It aims to create a robust healthcare system where workers are well-supported and adequately rewarded and optimally utilised to meet the healthcare needs of all Nigerians.
“Central to this vision is the Nigeria Human Health Resource Program, which sets a framework for regular reviews of working conditions, ensuring that health workers, especially in rural areas, receive the recognition and rewards they deserve,” Pate said.
Worthy of note, the Federal Government has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO), Canada, to train Nigerian nurses on the best practice guidelines of the profession.
With the tag, “Best Practice Spotlight Organisation (BPSO)”, the “training the trainers” programme is aimed at providing a structured pathway to adopt and implement best practice guidelines.
Ms Daju Kachollom, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said that with the training, nurses would be equipped to deliver evidence-based, culturally sensitive and patient-centered care.
Kachollom said that the approach would undoubtedly contribute to the realisation of the minister’s four-point health agenda and global sustainable goals.
“Nigeria is the first country in Africa to identify with RNAO, becoming the first BPSO designated host.
“This, for us, is remarkable as we recognise the place of nurses to achieve the mandate of the Nigeria healthcare system.
“As the ministry emphasises on improving the population health outcomes and unlocking healthcare value chains, the Nigerian BPSO initiative is a step forward in fostering a healthcare system that prioritises the highest standards of care,” Kachollom said.
She added that the training was a critical component of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance the skills and expertise of nurses and other healthcare workers, equipping them with the tools needed to meet the evolving challenges in healthcare delivery.
Policy analysts hold that the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, which will be cascaded to the grassroots, should give premium to the celebration of retiring medical professionals who had left exceptional footprints.
They say those, who in spite of brighter prospects in other climes, stayed back and contributed their quota to the growth of Nigeria’s healthcare sector, should be celebrated.
The tone was set recently in Lagos State.
Hundreds of nurses, family members, and friends recently gathered at the General Hospital Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos State, to celebrate the retirement of Chief Nursing Officer Mrs Folasade Okare, marking her 35 years of dedicated service and her 60th birthday.
Okare’s retirement was celebrated not only for her years of service but for the indelible mark she left on her colleagues and the nursing profession.
Over the years, Okare has become a role model for young nurses, and her passion and commitment to the profession have been widely recognised.
The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) presented her with a Retirement Award on February 11, acknowledging her dedication to the nursing field.
This recognition added to other accolades she has received, including the Best Worker Merit Award (Senior Category) in 2024 from the Chief Executive Officer of General Hospital Ifako Ijaiye, Dr Bamidele Mustapha, and the Long Service Merit Award from the Lagos State Government in 2021.
At a reception organised in Okare’s honour, Mrs Olufumilayo Ojo, the Apex Nurse of GHII, encouraged other nurses to emulate Okare’s exemplary work ethic.
“The battle is on you; you need to do it as she has left it for you to continue the good job she has done,” Ojo said.
Dr Wemimo Hally, a Principal Medical Officer at the hospital, described Okare as a dedicated, firm, and meticulous professional, noting her calm demeanour in spite of her unwavering commitment to excellence.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Executive Chairman of Ifako Ijaiye Local Government, Mr Usman Hamzat and the Vice Chairman, Mrs Oluwatoyin Akererele.
Family members also lauded Okare for her dedication, emphasising the lasting impact she has had on the healthcare system and on the lives of those around her.
“Aunty Sade is indeed very motherly to all of us. She is a role model to every single one of us,” said Gboyega Adejuwon, a cousin to Okare.
Okare, visibly moved by the celebration, expressed her gratitude to her colleagues, family and friends.
“Nursing has not just been a job for me, I’ve gained a family along the way, and I couldn’t have asked for better people to share this journey with.”
Her children, Damilola and Ayo, shared their pride and admiration for their mother’s dedication.
Chief Nursing Officer Folasade Okare poses with her husband and two children as General Hospital Ifako Ijaiye (GHII) celebrates her 35 years meritorious retirement and 60th birthday) credit: Daramola Oluwafernmi Black_Chicagofilms
“I am just so proud of my mum; you can tell by the hundreds of people gathered here today that she is loved,” said Damilola.
Her daughter Ayo, who was especially touched by the celebration, added, “The way her colleagues have praised her, danced with her, and even cried today really shows how much of an impact she made in people’s lives.”
Okare’ passion for nursing began her early life.
After completing her basic nursing education at Ondo State School of Nursing in Akure, she pursued a specialisation in midwifery at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, where she trained from 1988 to 1989.
Upon becoming a Registered Nurse and Midwife, she began her professional career at General Hospital Ikere Ekiti in 1990.
Over the next decades, Okare worked across various healthcare institutions in Lagos, including Onikan Health Centre, Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Orile Agege General Hospital, and Gbagada General Hospital.
In 2017, she joined General Hospital Ifako Ijaiye, where she worked until her retirement.
Throughout her career, Okare rose to the position of Chief Nursing Officer, driven by her deep passion for patient care and her unwavering commitment to the nursing profession.
“If there’s one thing about Sade, she is committed; she is reliable,” said her husband, Mr Fidelis Okare.
In spite of the challenges in the healthcare system, Okare remained dedicated to her work and persevered.
As she retires at the age of 60 after a remarkable 35-year career, Okare leaves behind a legacy of excellence, compassion, and a commitment to mentoring the next generation of nurses.
“I see my achievements and challenges as resources to mentor younger professionals,” Okare said.
She pledged to continue offering volunteer nursing care to the elderly and sick in her retirement.
By many accounts, Okare’s legacy will inspire future nurses and her contributions to the healthcare system will not be forgotten. (NANFeatures)
***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.
The clinical condition of Pope Francis who is suffering from pneumonia has improved slightly, the Vatican said late Thursday.
The 88-year-old pontiff also has no fever, a spokesman said.
Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday last week.
There is currently no indication when he might be discharged.
A few days ago, doctors diagnosed pneumonia in both lungs.
Francis had resisted going to hospital since mid-December, in spite of evident health problems.
Italian Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi on Thursday said he thought the pope would consider resigning if his health deteriorated.
“If he found himself in a situation where he was compromised in his ability to have direct contact with people, then I believe he might consider resigning,” Ravasi said in a radio interview.
He described the pope’s condition as “complex, but not critical.”
French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline also did not rule out resignation. Regarding speculation that Francis could follow the example of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, Aveline said: “Everything is possible.”
Benedict XVI resigned in 2013 and lived a secluded life in the Vatican until his death at the end of 2022.
Pope Francis has repeatedly rejected rumours of his possible resignation.
However, some time ago he announced that he had deposited a signed letter of resignation at the Vatican Secretariat of State at the beginning of his term of office – but only to take effect if he were incapacitated and too severely affected by a serious illness to carry out his duties.
The health of the leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide has been poor for a long time.
Pneumonia can sometimes be life-threatening, especially at such an advanced age and with various pre-existing conditions.
French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline called for prayers to be said for Pope Francis during a news conference in the Vatican earlier on Thursday.
“He is tired. He is one of those people who have to be taken to hospital if we really want them to get better.
“Otherwise they never recover,” the influential archbishop of Marseille told journalists.
Aveline said he had no more precise information and would not engage in speculation. But he also expressed his concern. The 66-year-old cardinal is among the possible successors to Francis.
Earlier on Thursday, the Corriere della Sera newspaper reported that Francis had been in jovial mood when Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni popped in to visit him in hospital.
“The doctors have said that I have to watch my health, otherwise I would go straight to heaven,” the 88-year-old pontiff said, according to the report.
“I know that there are people outside there who say my time has come,” he added.
Meloni visited the pope on Wednesday, for an audience lasting around 20 minutes.
Her office subsequently reported that Francis had been awake and alert.
“We joked constantly. He has not lost his proverbial sense of humour,” Meloni said after the visit.
The Vatican reported that the pope had spent a sixth “restful night” in hospital without further complication.
He had got up and taken breakfast in an armchair, the Vatican statement said.
The pope was admitted after falling ill with bronchitis. Concerns grew following a Tuesday update in which the Vatican reported that he was suffering from double pneumonia.
While there are more than 250 cardinals around the world, only 138 of them are currently under the age threshold of 80 and would participate in the conclave to elect the next pope.
The conclave sits in secrecy in the Sistine Chapel. A plume of white smoke from the chapel’s chimney indicates that a decision has been reached. (dpa/NAN)
The Wife of Niger Governor, Hajiya Fatima Bago, has launched a free medical outreach in the Edati community as part of efforts to improve healthcare access across the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day initiative is a collaboration between her office and the Graceland Healthcare Development Foundation, Kaduna.
The governor’s wife, during the launch on Friday said the initiative would provide free surgeries, 1,000 reading glasses, medical consultations, essential medications, and health education to community members.
She lauded the foundation for its noble effort, emphasising that the outreach would greatly enhance healthcare services for Niger’s people.
The governor’s wife highlighted the importance of looking after one another, stating “Giving back is not just about wealth, it’s about compassion and using whatever we have to uplift those around us.”
She also expressed gratitude to her husband, Umaru Bago, for his efforts in transforming the state’s healthcare sector and encouraged the Edati community to take full advantage of the initiative.
She reiterated her commitment to supporting and expanding similar programmes across the state.
Dr Ibrahim Dangana, Commissioner for Primary Health, assured that the ministry would provide the necessary resources to deliver quality healthcare to the people of Edati.
Dangana was represented by Dr Gana Mohammed, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Tertiary Health.
Dr Ibrahim Mohammed, Project Coordinator for the foundation, explained that the outreach aimed to perform 200 surgeries targeting various health conditions such as hernia, appendicitis, ganglion, utero-vaginal prolapse, goitres, fibroids, hydrocele, and undescended testicles.
He said the outreach would also offer services for hypertension, diabetes, ulcers, malaria, typhoid, and deworming, with a special focus on women and children.
NAN also reports that the medical intervention is expected to benefit more than 1,000 people in Edati and the surrounding areas.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
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