Category: Health and Environment

Enugu Govt. tasks media practitioners on deepening free, inclusive healthcare programmes

The Enugu State Government has tasked media practitioners on deepening free and inclusive health programmes especially free malaria testing and treatment as well as subsidised health insurance scheme in the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, gave the task on Wednesday during a Malaria Elimination Programme, Advocacy Communication and Social Mobilisation (ACSM) Quarterly Media Chat in Enugu.

Represented by the Health Secretary of Enugu East Local Government Area, Dr Ifeyinwa Ugwunweze, the commissioner said that malaria testing and treatment as well as the subsidised annual N12,000 health insurance scheme currently runs in all government health facilities.

 

According to him, these facilities included all Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), general hospitals and teaching hospitals owned by the state government and selected private hospitals.

He said, “As a state, we are grateful for the wonderful work the media is doing in constantly projecting health initiatives, programmes and projects.

“However, there is an urgency to do more especially targeting well-tailored message to rural areas to take advantage of health programmes, initiatives and interventions.

“Our free malaria testing and treatment as well as the subsidised health insurance scheme is important to our health-loving governor, His Excellency Dr Peter Mbah, as flagship programmes he initiated to reduce socioeconomic burden of health on individuals and families.”

 

Earlier, Programme Manager of State Malaria Elimination Programme, Dr Ifeoma Otiji, commended the malaria elimination partners – Islamic Development Bank and Johns Hopkins University Affiliate (Jhipiego) – for supporting the state’s renewed commitment to eliminate malaria 100 per cent.

Otiji appreciated the media for ensuring that the campaign on free malaria testing and treatment in health facilities is becoming a household message and issue.

“With the strong media support we are getting, Enugu State Malaria Elimination Programme is visible and actions on the programme are being felt by individuals, families, neighborhoods and communities as our people are taking advantage of the initiative/programme.

 

“We currently have active free malaria testing and treatment in 527 health facilities across the states especially in rural and remote areas.

“Reduced malaria prevalence from 24 per cent to 9.9 per cent some months ago and we are still working hard to ensure it goes below five per cent and not long ensure total elimination, which is our ultimate target,” she said.

Speaking, a media expert, Mr Gregory Odiakosa, urged the media to sustain all communication support to promoting healthcare and well-being of Nigerians especially the residents of Enugu State as part of their contribution to humanity.

 

Odiakosa, who is Manager of Lion Paws Media Ltd, also urged the government and health partners to support the media financial to meet their social obligations in terms health communication, promotion and education.

Highlights of the event featured a brief overview of malaria elimination programme in Enugu State and a lecture on “Power of Media in Public Relations”, delivered by the Special Assistance to the Governor on Research and Publication, Mr Josh Ejeh.

WHO, Commissioner, Others Hail Gov. Mbah’s Commitment to PHC, as facilities record 80% attendance rise

 

The World Health Organisation (WHO), the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and community leaders have commended Gov. Peter Mbah administration for its huge investment in building and equipping 260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and commitment to rural healthcare in Enugu State.

 

The huge investment has recorded an increase in visits to the state’s PHC facilities from 800,000 to 1.4 million, representing an 80 per cent increase, as well as an increase in Penta-3 immunisation coverage from 78.5 per cent to 88.9 per cent, surpassing the national target of 85 per cent.

 

They gave the commendations at the combined 2026 Biannual Meeting and Supportive Supervisory Visit by Gov. Mbah to Type 2 PHC Centre, Ihe Ward, Nsukka Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday.

 

 

Speaking, South-East Zonal Coordinator of WHO Nigeria, Dr. Chukwumuanya Igbonekwu, described the governor’s continued supervisory visits to the state’s PHC facilities as a powerful catalyst for accountability, motivation, assessment of challenges and progress, and continuous improvement in service delivery.

 

“Therefore, WHO highly commends the Government of Enugu State for prioritising health sector investments and fostering an enabling environment for implementing key public health programmes,” he said.

 

The zonal coordinator pledged WHO’s continued support to the administration’s efforts to build resilient health systems capable of addressing current and emerging health challenges.

 

 

On his part, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office in Enugu, Juliet Chiluwe, represented by the Health Logistics Consultant, Dr Charles Abel, commended the governor for a “steadfast commitment to optimising primary healthcare service delivery across the state.”

 

“Routine field oversight of this nature is clear evidence of a leadership that prioritises the health, survival, and well-being of its citizens, particularly vulnerable women and children,” she said, while reaffirming UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the government.

 

Speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, extolled Gov. Mbah personal commitment to uplift the health and well-being of all residents and investing in all tiers of healthcare.

 

 

According to Ugwu, we all in the health sector are proud of your sterling and impactful achievements.

 

He noted that the state government had supported building of new health facilities across board, provision of state-of-the-art health equipment and up scaling of employment within all four-tier of the state health system.

 

Meanwhile, Gov. Mbah, who had held separate interactive meetings with traditional rulers and women leaders, said his administration intentionally invested heavily in building 260 PHCs across the 260 wards of the state to ensure that nobody was left behind.

 

 

He expressed satisfaction that the investments in the PHCs had paid off by helping to drastically cut down maternal mortality, insisting that the state targets zero maternal mortality as “no woman should die giving birth in any part of Enugu State.”

 

The governor charged the traditional rulers, women leaders, and other grassroots leaders to use their influence to create awareness, champion immunisation, antenatal and postnatal care, encourage subscription to universal healthcare coverage, and monitor service delivery at their PHCs, escalating observed gaps to the authorities.

 

“I have also listened to our elders. We are going to have the MRI, the CT scan, and all the radiological services at the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS) Teaching Hospital so that you do not have to travel to Enugu to get full healthcare services. This I guarantee you,” he assured.

 

 

Corroborating, the Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ENSPHDA), Dr. Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, noted that PHCs had experienced an uncommon leap under the Mbah administration, adding: “We added 3,380 hospital beds and 520 baby cots at the ward level, capacity this state had never seen in its primary health system.”

 

“We recruited 2,250 health workers and placed doctors at the helm so that competence is no longer the privilege of the city alone.

 

“The share of our mothers delivering safely, in trained hands, leapt from 40.9 per cent to 59.3 per cent in just six months. When we came in, our people made 800,000 visits to our health centres in a year. Today they make over 1.4 million (80% increase) because we made the clinics worth walking into.

 

 

“We nearly tripled the malaria treatment reaching our people. We put our clinics on computers, cut the time our people wait for care by nearly 70 per cent, tripled the medicines on the shelves, and brought ultrasound scans to the wards,” she said.

 

In his remark, the Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Engr. Jude Asogwa, hailed Gov. Mbah’s commitment to the health sector.

 

Asogwa said: “So, as you are going back to Enugu, just have it at the back of your mind that you, our President Bola Tinubu, and all your line up will be given 100 per cent vote come 2027 General Elections.”

Drug Abuse: Enugu Govt. expands mental health services, access to prevention, treatment programmes

Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State says his administration is currently strengthening and expanding mental health services as well as access to prevention and treatment programmes in its four-tier health systems.

Mbah said this in a keynote address at the weekend during the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which was organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Enugu State Command.

The commemoration was themed: “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Response”.

Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, the governor also revealed that special adolescent health units were also being established in health facilities as part of efforts to address drug abuse among young people.

 

He described drug abuse as both a public health and security challenge, with devastating effects on individuals, families, and society; adding that government was also focusing on promoting mental health well-being education.

Mbah emphasised the need for innovative, evidence-based, and collaborative strategies to address the growing drug abuse challenge.

The governor urged young people to reject drug abuse, while encouraging parents to play active roles in prevention.

According to him, the state government will continue to collaborate with the NDLEA and other stakeholders to build a safer, healthier, and drug-free Enugu State.

 

Mbah urged youths to take advantage of the numerous socioeconomic opportunities created by the state government.

He noted that opportunities had been opened up in agriculture, digital technology and mechanised farming to empower youths and discourage involvement in drug abuse.

“We cannot build a resilient and striving economy with youths who are not hardworking. It is with your brains and physical strength that our economy can grow.

“The consequences of drug abuse are enormous and we must ensure our youths remain productive and contribute meaningfully to economic development, through physical and mental well-being,” he said.

 

Earlier, the Commander of NDLEA in Enugu State, Mr Owoputi Adekunle, revealed that the agency seized 929.463 kilogrammes of various illicit substances and secured the conviction of 53 drug-related dealers in the state.

Adekunle said that various illicit drugs, which included: Cannabis Sativa and methamphetamine, popularly known as Crystal Meth or “Mkpuru Mmiri,” were seized between November 2025 and June 2026.

He said that within the period under review, the command also counselled 157 clients, while 23 others were currently undergoing rehabilitation.

“Our prosecution unit is not left out. A total of 53 suspects have been convicted, while 111 cases are currently pending before the Federal High Court.

“Apart from the convictions, assets acquired as proceeds of crime were forfeited to the Federal Government,” he said.

 

Delivering a keynote lecture, Dr Roland Okereke, a Senior Registrar at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, described substance abuse as a “chronic illness” that destroys lives and limited future opportunities.

Okereke stressed that prevention remained the most effective strategy, noting that many people with substance use disorders delayed seeking medical care due to stigma and poor access to treatment.

Speaking, Chairman of Ezeagu Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Emmanuel Anichebe, urged parents to build closer relationships with their children to enable them share their challenges and receive proper guidance before being influenced negatively by unscrupulous peers.

Highpoints of the event were the crowning of Gov. Mbah as a Drug Abuse Ambassador; drama presentations and debates among others.

The event attracted traditional rulers, representatives of security agencies, officials of the Ministry of Health, officials of Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), NYSC corps members and youth organizations in the state.

By Taiye Olayemi

The Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group, Dr Umaru Kwairanga, has pledged the support of the exchange for the newly inaugurated Mahmoud Environment and Sustainability Trust.

Kwairanga made the pledge on Friday in Kano at the unveiling of the trust, held alongside the turbanning of A.B. Mahmoud, as the Garkuwan Kano.

In a statement on Friday, the NGX Group chairman said the NGX would support the trust in advancing environmental protection and sustainable development initiatives across the country.

He congratulated Mahmoud on his conferment, describing the traditional title as a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding contributions to Nigeria, the legal profession and the historic city of Kano.

According to him, Mahmoud had distinguished himself through his intellect, leadership and unwavering commitment to causes that promote national development.

Kwairanga commended the senior advocate for establishing the trust, saying it would leave a lasting legacy by addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development.

He noted that the increasing effects of climate change, reflected in more frequent extreme weather events, underscored the need for collective action to protect the environment.

“We are all witnesses to the effects of climate change in the extreme weather patterns that have become more frequent in recent times.

“We must all rise to meet the challenge by doing what we can to protect our environment because the earth is the only home that we and future generations have,” he said.

The NGX chairman said the trust’s focus on environmental protection and sustainability was timely and aligned with global efforts to combat climate change.

He pledged his personal support and that of the NGX Group to partner with the trust in implementing initiatives aimed at creating a healthier and more sustainable environment for future generations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Enugu Govt. moves to sanction violators of sanitation regulations, engagements

The Enugu State Waste Management Authority (ESWAMA) says it will sanction violators of sanitation regulations and engagements especially violators of the state monthly environmental sanitation.

The Managing Director of ESWAMA, Mr Richard Onaga, gave the warning on Friday while announcing the June Statewide Monthly Environmental Sanitation on June 27 (Saturday), being held from 7a.m. to 10a.m.

Onaga said that the state government’s Environmental Sanitation Mobile Court would be in operation, and violators of sanitation regulations would be sanctioned in accordance with the law immediately.

According to him, the state government through ESWAMA hereby informs residents of Enugu State that the monthly environmental sanitation exercise will hold on Saturday.

He said that during this period, there would be a restriction of movement across the state.

“Only personnel on essential duties and those duly authorised with valid means of identification or official permits will be exempted.

“Residents are expected to actively participate by cleaning their homes, business premises, drainage channels, and surrounding environments.

“All commercial activities, sporting activities, and loading or off-loading operations in motor parks are to remain suspended during the exercise,” he said.

The managing director also reminded all residents and business operators that payment of the 2026 Environmental Sanitation Rate remained ongoing.

Onaga said that payments should be made at designated banks or at the ESWAMA Headquarters on number 7 Ridgeway, State Secretariat GRA, Enugu.

“For enquiries, please call or WhatsApp: 08135534440. Together, let us keep Enugu State clean, healthy, and environmentally sustainable,” he added.

Preventing avoidable flood disasters requires a whole-of-society approach – NEMA DG

The Director-General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, says preventing avoidable flood disasters required a whole-of-society approach.

Umar said this on Wednesday in Enugu during a Stakeholders’ Engagement and Flag-off of the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards in Enugu State.

NEMA in collaboration with Sahel Consulting organised the flag-off of the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards in Enugu State as part of nationwide efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and risk reduction strategies on the outcome of the 2026 seasonal climate prediction.

The engagement was themed: “Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance for a Resilient Nigeria.”

Represented by Dr Evans Ugoh, NEMA’s Deputy Director Disaster Risks Reduction, the director-general noted that effective flood response is built on inclusiveness, community participation, and shared responsibility.

According to her, we call on all partners, traditional institutions, religious organizations, women and youth groups, the media, and the private sector to support NEMA in amplifying these early warning messages.

 

Umar said that the stakeholders’ engagement/campaign was designed to drive early and coordinated action to protect lives and livelihoods during the 2026 rainy season.

On the theme, the director-general underscored the need for stronger institutions, clearer responsibilities, and proactive collaboration across all levels.

“The recurrent impact of flooding in Nigeria demands an urgent and collective response. Each year, lives are lost, livelihoods are disrupted, and public and private infrastructure worth billions of naira are damaged.

“Communities also bear the burden of injuries, displacement, and the loss of life savings due to unmitigated flood events and their secondary effects.

“The 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency is for 23 states including the FCT.

“It covers 132 local government areas, fall within high flood risk zones. A further 14 states, with 148 local government areas, are classified as moderate risk areas,” she said.

 

Umar said that NEMA had convened an expert review meeting to assess implications of these forecasts; adding that analysis indicated potential challenges including delayed/erratic rainfall onset, shorter growing seasons, above-normal rainfall, prolonged dry spells, and higher temperatures.

She said that these factors were expected to affect key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, transportation, energy, water supply, education, and overall public wellbeing.

The director-general said, “In response to these projections, NEMA has developed the 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness, and Mitigation Framework.

“This framework provides a structured guide for reducing flood impacts nationwide. Key mitigation strategies included: capacity building for local responders and simulation and tabletop exercises.

“Others are strict adherence to rainfall and flood advisories; prepositioning of relief materials in high-risk areas; infrastructure integrity assessments and development and testing of community evacuation plans.”

In a goodwill message, Mrs Anyanwu Chinwe, the representative of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), urged stakeholders to work in closer synergy and achieve holistic result against flooding as predicted.

 

Speaking, Mrs Amaka Desmond, representative of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, (NIHSA), called on Nigerians to take early warning and proactive preparedness serious to avoid human and property losses.

Corroborating, Mr David Ogidan, who is with Sahel Consulting, urged farmers in Enugu State to adopt smart climate agricultural practices for better yield as well as maximise the positive side of the climate to remain in their agricultural and agro-allied businesses.

Speaking, the State Coordinator of Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC), Mr Emeka Oko, assured stakeholders that the committee would escalate flood alert and mitigation messages to all nooks and crannies of the state.

The engagement featured paper presentation on Overview of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction Enugu State by NIMET.

Also, a lecture on “2026 Crop-Weather Calendar and Livestock Comfortability Index Enugu State” was delivered by NIMET; which highlighted the impact of the 2026 Flood outlook on rice, cassava, maize and livestocks.

Another lecture titled: “Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction Strategies on the Outcomes of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction”, was delivered by a NEMA official. The paper highlights the 2026 flood dashboard, disaster risk reduction strategies, expected actions by state government and local authorities via the LEMC, and the sectoral recommendations.

In conclusion participants were reminded that effective disaster preparedness and risk reduction is a shared responsibility and requires a collaborative effort.

FG appoints Enugu Health Commissioner Prof. Ugwu as member Presidential Task Force on Ebola Prevention

 

The Federal Government has appointed the Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, as member Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Prevention.

 

This is contained in an official communication issued by the office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, recently.

 

 

Gbajabiamila, who is also the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness, noted that Prof. Ugwu’s clinical and first hand experience in battling the 2014 Ebola outbreak would be highly needed by the nation.

 

“Prof Ugwu, you will be part of the national task force comprising committees on border management, immigration control and disease surveillance, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) providing overall technical leadership and coordination.”

 

Responding to the appointment, Prof. Ugwu accepted to serve in the task force and had already been inaugurated at Presidential Villa by the Chief of Staff to the President.

 

 

Ugwu’s appointment is in line with the priority the administration of Gov Peter Mbah places on healthcare with emphasis in excellence.

 

The appointment highlights Enugu’s status as high risk of possible importation of the disease in view of her international airport especially as travellers from neighboring African countries and beyond come to Enugu directly through the airport.

Enugu Govt, Airport Officials meet to close Ebola surveillance, contact tracing gaps

The Enugu State Government and key critical stakeholders at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu have met to close Ebola surveillance and contact tracing gaps at the international point of entry into the state.

The Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Ministry of Health, Mrs Chidiogo Ugodu, said in a statement on Sunday in Enugu, that the meeting was held at the weekend at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

The statement noted that the high-level meeting intensified efforts to strengthen preparedness against the possible importation of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) through the international airport.

It said that meeting was held between Enugu State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) surveillance team and representatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Port Health Services, airport safety officials, and other stakeholders responsible for disease surveillance.

During the meeting, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, expressed concern over what he described as inadequate Ebola preparedness measures at the airport in spite of the state’s designation as a high-risk location for disease importation.

Ugwu noted that available reports indicated that the airport had not been actively reporting surveillance activities and proactive Ebola prevention measures to the national health authorities.

The commissioner stressed that the current global health situation requires heightened vigilance and immediate action to safeguard residents of the state.

The commissioner emphasised the unwavering commitment of the current administration in the state led by Gov. Peter Mbah to protect residents of the state and country at large against the deadly disease.

 

“There is a need for stronger collaboration between airport authorities and the health sector, particularly in the areas of passengers’ screening, surveillance, and information sharing,” he said.

The commissioner specifically called for the immediate implementation of health declaration forms for incoming passengers before arrival.

He described the measure as a critical step in early detection and response.

According to him, Port Health Services at the airport must become more proactive and fully aligned with national disease surveillance protocols.

 

Responding on behalf of the Regional Manager of FAAN, the Terminal Manager, Mr Henry Emmanuel, acknowledged the concerns raised by the commissioner and admitted that more could be done to strengthen preparedness efforts.

Emmanuel described the EOC visit and meeting as a timely wake-up call, while assuring the delegation that airport management would take the observations seriously.

He further pledged the commitment of FAAN and other stakeholders to work closely with the state Ministry of Health in improving surveillance systems and implementing recommended Ebola preventive measures/protocols.

The statement noted that the meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all parties to enhance coordination, strengthen disease monitoring at the international point of entry, and ensure prompt reporting of public health issues.

“The meeting forms part of Enugu State Government’s broader strategy to maintain a high-level of readiness against Ebola and other emerging infectious diseases, while protecting residents and travelers through robust prevention and response mechanisms,” it added.

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Nigeria has restated its commitment to advancing global environmental governance, biodiversity conservation, and land restoration in line with the objectives of the Great Green Wall Initiative across the Sahel region.

The focus, according to the Nigerian government, is on combating climate change, expanding regional ecosystem partnerships, and scaling up the Great Green Wall Initiative to reverse desertification across its northern frontline states.

The Director General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), Saleh Abubakar, stated this during the 8th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Abubakar is among Nigeria’s delegation, led by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, to the high-level global event.

He said the participation of the Nigerian agency underscores the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to address the impact of climate change in Nigeria, especially in the 11 front line states.

The NAGGW DG explained that the gathering brings together world leaders, policymakers, environmental experts, development partners, and stakeholders to deliberate on pressing environmental challenges and sustainable development priorities.

“The Assembly serves as a strategic platform for advancing international cooperation on climate action, biodiversity conservation, land restoration, sustainable agriculture, and environmental sustainability,” he stated

The NAGGW boss reiterated the agency’s firm resolve to strengthen partnerships with global partners with a view to mobilising support for Nigeria’s Great Green Wall initiative and other environmental restoration programmes targeted at combating desertification, land degradation, improving livelihoods, enhancing food security, building resilient.

Abubakar sought enhanced support of global partners to enable the agency address desertification in the northern Nigeria and restore degraded ecosystems, and strengthening the role of local communities.