Category: Health and Environment

Osun State Government has said the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke has introduced a new technology to solve the problem associated with the process of issuance of Certificate of Occupancy in the state.

A statement by the State Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Mr. George Alabi, on Sunday, said the administration intended to solve the challenge through automation of the Survey Clearance and Certificate of Occupancy issuance process to ensure a faster and more efficient process.

Alabi explained that a survey clearance process has been adopted, to ensure a faster Certificate of Occupancy process.

“This process is the preliminary stage of the C of O in 45 days program, which is an initiative of His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, to ensure C of O Processing is done within 45 days of Application.

The state governor is planning to launch the ‘C of O in 45 days’ program before the end of the year. Therefore, it is important for all persons who intend to benefit from the opportunity to get their Land/property survey cleared so that they can apply for their C of O when the program commences and get it within 45 days,” he said.

The Commissioner subsequently called on those with a genuine valid survey for land or property in Osun State to, “visit landsportal.osunstate.gov.ng and click on Get Survey Clearance to commence the Survey Clearance Process for a better experience such as business loans from financial institutions towards improving their business subsequently, rejigging the Osun state economy among others.”

He added that the ‘C of O in 45 Days Initiative’ would be launched before the end of 2024 to ensure that all landowners with survey clearance in the State could process their C of O within 45 days

By Mohammed Baba Busu

Society of Family physicians of Nigeria (SOFPON), Osun State Chapter, has commended the state governor, Gov. Ademola Adeleke for appointing its state Chairman, Dr Afolabi Adeola Babatunde as Chief Medical Director ( CMD), Uniosun teaching hospital.Osogbo.

This is contained in a statement issued and signed by its General secretary and State PRO, Dr Ogungbemi and Dr Oyetunji Niyi and made avail to newsmen on Friday.

SOFPON also congratulated Dr Afolabi over appointment, describing it as well deserved due to his experience and expertise.

The statement has urged that Dr Afolabi Babatunde would use his wealth of experience to build Uniosun teaching Hospital to a greater height and for the overall development of the country.

“The entire SOFPON family , Osun state Chapter, facilitate with our amiable State SOFPON Chairman , Dr Afolabi Adeola Babatunde on his appointment as the CMD, Uniosun teaching Hospital.

“Your Appointment is a testament of your sacrifice and dedication to service delivery.

“Your leadership sagacity in every capacity you occupied is worthy of emulation,” the statement said.

They however, prayed God to give him more strength, wisdom and protect to move the hospital to the next level of development.

“As you pilot the affair of Uniosun teaching Hospital, We pray that almighty God will grant you supersonic wisdom to push through,

“We celebrate you sir. Congratulations sir,” the statement added.

The statement expressed optimism that Dr Babatunde Afolabi would leave no stone unturned to ensure the development of the hospital.

By Mohammed Baba Busu

The Niger State Government in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) would partner the Nigeria Consulate and Montefiore Medical Centre in New York, to improve access, technology and human resources for health sector in the state.

The governor’s Special Adviser on Digital Media and Strategy, Abdullberqy Usman Ebbo on his Facebook page stated that
Gov. Mohammed Umaru Bago visited the hospital headquarters in New York after rounding up his activities at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79).

Abdulbaqy Ebbo revealed that it is a premier academic health system renowned for pushing the boundaries in every arena, from research to discoveries of life-saving cures, from innovations in patient care to advancements in public health, and world-class medical education.

He noted that this was part of the Governor’s deliberate attempt to expand investments in healthcare delivery by collaborating with top-notch, state-of-the-art Medical Centers in the United States for direct technical assistance and training of medical professionals in various sub-specialties of the state.

According to Ebbo, the Governor was hosted by Dr. Philip Ozuah, a Nigerian physician who is the President and CEO of Montefiore Medicine, the umbrella organization for the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Montefiore Health System’s with 13 member hospitals, 300 ambulatory sites, and 7.5 million patient encounters yearly with over $8 billion in annual revenues.

He explained that the physician is a nationally recognized in the USA, leader, executive, researcher, teacher, and author who leads an organization with 10,000 doctors and 53,000 employees serving a diverse group of patients.

Abdulbaqy Ebbo also added that he is a National Institutes of Health (NIH)–funded researcher and award-winning educator and a Professor and University Chairman of Pediatrics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.

He stressed that Dr. Ozuah has expanded access to care for underserved communities, recruited and cultivated outstanding talent, advanced programs of excellence, fostered innovations in medicine and science, and improved financial and operational performance by integrating care across a rapidly growing and evolving Montefiore system.

Showtyme Foundation Offers Free Genotype Testing to 100 Ibadan Residents.

By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

In a bid to promote awareness and prevention of Sickle Cell Anemia, Showtyme Foundation, a subsidiary of Showtyme Hoopers Basketball Club, conducted free genotype testing for 100 residents of Ibadan.

The event’s founder, Shoola Durojaiye, shared his personal experience of losing his 12-year-old daughter to Sickle Cell Anemia due to incorrect diagnosis.

“I was wrongly diagnosed as AA instead of AS, leading to unintended consequences, I went ahead to marry my ex-wife who is AS and our first child was SS while the other two girls are AS.

“I lost my 12 year-old daughter, Demilade Shoola last month due to Sickle Cell Anaemia crisis.

“It was a difficult one for me, as a family we’ve gone through a lot due to the result error,” he said.

Durojaiye emphasised the importance of accurate diagnosis and awareness, stating, “Sickle Cell affects millions worldwide. Everyone should know their status, make informed choices, and protect future generations.”

He, however, called for more awareness and sensitisation for parents and the importance of double checking their genotype.

“The game of basketball has always been a great medium and platform to get across to our teeming youths and community at large.

“ Today we’re creating awareness and shedding more light on Sickle Cell Anaemia and the doctor from University College Hospital (UCH) is enlightening all who came out for the free testing,” he said.

Samson Mogida, a basketball referee, shared his own experience of incorrect diagnosis, highlighting the need for reliable laboratory testing.

“Many families like mine are in serious pains. Before I got married, I did my genotype to know my status and result was AA.

“While growing up, I stumbled on the result of the laboratory test that my parents conducted on me and the result was also AA.

“ I have the confidence that I can marry anyone of any genotype since I am AA. After I got married, God bless us with a son who was constantly falling sick.

“I visited one of the reputable laboratory in Ibadan to run anther genotype test on him, only to be given a contrary result of AS.

“I was very angry and called them all manners of names that they didn’t know what they were doing.

“They encouraged me to go to UCH and carry out another test, which I did including four other laboratories to carry out the test, and it all said the same `AS’.

“ It was very painful and devastating to accept that I am AS and not AA.

“Why I went to do the test was because my son was said to be SS, and my wife confirmed to be AS,” he said.

Mogida said that managing the situation had not been easy; adding that, a single mother or father, can’t manage such a child alone.

Dr Babatunde Falade, said that sickle cell was a common health condition in the country, and one of the very few conditions that was preventable.

Dr Falade explained further that Sickle Cell Anemia is preventable and characterised by low blood levels and abnormal blood cell shape. “Knowing one’s genotype is crucial in making informed decisions before having children,” he stressed.

He said that Sickle Cell was characterised by low blood level and abnormal shape of blood vessel.

“What happens is that the person doesn’t have enough cells. The cells die early when compared to other cells, which cause a reduction in oxygen delivery to other vital organs.

“This is because of the deficiency or abnormal protein that’s surrounding the red blood cells. The normal red blood cell should be round or oval, but the one with sickle cell is s shaped.

“What we see in Sickle Cell Anemia is that they have low immunity, low blood level and get tired easily, jaundice and constant break down of the cells,” he said.

Falade said that everyone needs to know that this is preventive when we all know our genotypes.

“Constant checks are important for ourselves and loved ones in a reputable laboratory and then make an informed decision before having children.

“The various genotypes are AA, AS, SS, SC, and AC. Everyone should avoid a combination that will result in SS,” he said

Flowerbud News

By Rukayat Adeyemi

60 adolescent girls, on Friday graduated from STEM Hub for Empowerment (S.H.E)Cohort three free training programme, facilitated by the Centre for Integrated Health Programs(CIHP) in Lagos.
The S.H.E project, funded by the US Centres For Diseases Control and Prevention (US CDC)was specifically geared towards empowering vulnerable young girls in Nigeria in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics(STEM).
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the beneficiaries were trained in digital skills such as: Coding, digital technology, Technology Engineering.
They were also trained in social media marketing,life skills,mental health support, and financial literacy.
In her welcome address, Dr Bola Oyeledun,Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of CIHP,said that the S.H.E training was designed for girls between the ages of 16 and 24.
Oyeledun said that a total of 180 young girls have been trained in the last one year.
She said that the beneficiaries were selected from the National Vulnerability Index register obtained from the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Youth Development.
She explained that using the provided index,the prospective beneficiaries were placed on a scale of vulnerability to determine their qualifications for the training.
“The training is really focused on very vulnerable girls,who otherwise would not have any access to such in the society.
“We used the index to make sure that we are reaching the most vulnerable people in the society,” she said.
According to her, the S.H.E has been able to boost the interest and inclination of the girls for STEM courses.
She said that it had also transformed their total being and focus in life, due to the intensive training they were exposed to.
The CIHP boss said that the present harsh economic conditions in the country propelled the sponsorship of the training by the US CDC.
“Many people were living below poverty level and needed help, especially the young vulnerable children, to prevent exposing them to social vices, sexually transmitted diseases, infections, and unwanted pregnancies.
“Our aim is to lift the girls out of such background, boost their self-esteem, and place them on a level playing field with their privileged counterparts.
“We ensured that the beneficiaries got online certifications, right accreditation to get their work done, as well as placement for internships and link-up with mentors”,she said.
Following the need for expansion and increase in the number of beneficiaries, Oyeledun said that a S.H.E Hub centre has been established at Obalende-Ikoyi axis with support from the United States Government.
She said that the Obalende centre would cater for girls living in that environment, while also complementing the Ikeja centre.
She said that across the world, girls were progressively left more behind in STEM and traditionally placed for social jobs like hairdressing, make-up, and baking.
She charged the graduands to improve on the knowledge and skills they had acquired at the S.H.E hub.
She urged them to forge ahead with determination, focus and passion to impact the world positively and be a better version of themselves.
A board member of CIHP, Mr Emmanuel Eneh, congratulated the graduands and charged them to make use of the skills acquired.
Eneh also advised them to take advantage of the opportunities in the Information and Technology industry.
Also,Senior Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Eniola Opeyemi, lauded CIHP for organising such a transformative training, and supporting the girl child.
Opeyemi said that the programme aligned with the “THEME PLUS” agenda of Gov.Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
He urged other sister organisations to follow suit, in order to support and complement the state government’s effort.
A beneficiary, Miss Oluwatunmininu Ogini, appreciated CIHP and the US CDC for the lifetime opportunity given to her through the training to bring out her inner and hidden potentials.
Ogini said that the mental health training she embarked on helped her to balance her mental health, while the life skill class helped her to become assertive.
She said that the financial literature class taught her how to save and do proper budgeting, while the coding class helped her to create a cat website due to her love for cats.
A parent, Mrs Taiwo Wellington,thanked CIHP for considering the vulnerable children for the training.
Wellington said that the skills her daughter acquired during the training gave her hope for a better future(NAN)

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, has pleaded for support from the National Agency for Great Green Wall (NAGGW) in reducing flood incident and other environmental challenges facing the state.

Zulum made the plea in Maiduguri on Thursday while receiving a delegation of NAGGW, who paid him a sympathy visit over the Alau Dam flood disaster that hit the state capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the flood, which occured on Sept. 10, had led to the death of many people, while property worth billions of Naira destroyed.

Zulum appreciated the active support of the agency, especially its recent launching of three million tree planting campaign in Borno.

He explained that his administration had also set-up a green wall agency as part of commitment to protect the environment.

The governor lauded the concern shown by the delegation, who brought food and non food items for the flood victims, and assured them of judicious utilisation of the support.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Dr Habiba Ibrahim, who is the Director Operations of the agency, commiserated with the government and people of Borno over the flood incident.

She said the agency, as stakeholders in tackling ecological challenges, would collaborate with the state government in taking measures to mitigate flooding and other challenges.

She announced the donation of 80 bags of rice, 60 cartons of macaroni/spaghetti, 60 cartons of vegetable oil, 60 stoves, 600 buckets, 180 mats and 60 pots among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Mohammed Baba Busu

Gov. Mohammed Umar Bago, has awarded contract for the remodeling of Umaru Musa Yar’adua General Hospital Sabon Wuse, Tafa Local Government Area.

This is contained in a statement by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Digital Media and Strategy, Abdulberqy Usman and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Minna.

He said work has already commenced on the project.

Abdulbaqy Ebbo added that the Hospital will be equipped with modern facilities
to meet international standards.

He stressed that a well-function healthcare system is a cornerstone of public welfare and assured that people receive quality care when they need it most.

The special adviser said that Farmer Governor Bago is prioritizing the healthcare system

He is investing in the improvement of hospitals as one of the most crucial responsibilities of his administration to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.

He also said that Bago believed that improving hospitals is an investment in the future.

“And healthy citizens are more productive who can contribute more to the economic growth of the state, and increase public trust in the government.

Abdulbaqy Ebbo further revealed that in less than two years, Bago’s administration has achieved several milestones in healthcare.

“Including the remodeling of the intensive care unit of IBB Specialist Hospital with state of the art facilities, converting the old Shiroro Hotel into the first teaching Hospital in the state,” he said

He added that the Minna General Hospital, now have a new doctors quarters and construction is ongoing for a hundred level two Primary Health care centres across the state.

NAN