Health

Yobe Takes Top Honours in PHC Challenge

By Web News 489

By Nehemiah Anini (Abuja)

Yobe State has emerged as the overall best-performing state in the 2025 Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge, winning a total of $1.2 million as Nigerian governors collectively raised health sector allocations to ₦2.36 trillion to strengthen primary healthcare delivery nationwide.

The state clinched the top honour at the award ceremony held in Abuja, securing a $700,000 grand prize for its outstanding commitment to advancing primary healthcare services.

Yobe State also won the Zonal Best Performing State award for the North-East, earning an additional $500,000, bringing its total winnings to $1.2 million.

Under the zonal awards structure, each geopolitical zone winner received $500,000, while first runners-up in each zone were awarded $400,000, creating an incentive framework designed to reward excellence and promote continuous improvement.

Other Zonal Best Performing State award recipients were Nasarawa State (North-Central), Zamfara State (North-West), Abia State (South-East), Rivers State (South-South), and Osun State (South-West).

The zonal runners-up were Gombe State (North-East), Kwara State (North-Central), Kaduna State (North-West), Anambra State (South-East), Bayelsa State (South-South), and Ogun State (South-West).

In his address, Vice-President Kassim Shettima congratulated the award winners and commended state governors for their leadership and commitment to improving health outcomes.

Represented by the Minister of Health, Ali Pate, the Vice-President said initiatives such as the Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge promote healthy competition that ultimately benefits the nation.He highlighted progress made since governors signed a long-term compact with President Bola Tinubu two years ago under the sector-wide health renewal programme.

“Between 2024 and now, we’ve seen 20 states surpassing their targets in 2024,” he said.

Stressing the importance of healthcare to national development, Shettima added, “Health is a fundamental aspiration for every human being. Wherever you see good health, someone has invested in it. State governments, Federal Government, all of us have to invest in health.”

He urged state governments to further increase healthcare investments, projecting that total sector allocations should reach at least ₦3.5 trillion in the next fiscal year.

Acknowledging the financial barriers faced by many Nigerians, Senator Shettima said the Federal Government is intervening to reduce the cost of drugs, diagnostics, and medical tests, particularly for vulnerable populations, and called on states to align with these efforts.

He noted that sustained investment in health delivers multiple benefits, including a healthier and more productive population, stronger human capital, and more resilient communities.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced that Nigeria’s 36 states have collectively increased their health budgets to ₦2.36 trillion for 2025.

Represented by the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, the NGF Chairman said the figure marks a significant rise from previous years, with 30 per cent of total allocations dedicated to primary healthcare.

He said, “Indeed, over the last three years, States have increased their budget allocations to health, resulting in significant infrastructural upgrades across PHC facilities and expanded recruitment of human resources for health.”

According to him, “The combined health budget for the 36 States has grown from ₦831 billion in 2022, to ₦927 billion in 2023, ₦1.4 trillion in 2024, and ₦2.36 trillion in 2025 with 30 per cent of these annual budgets dedicated to PHC.”

Governor AbdulRazaq said the investments are already yielding results, including reduced institutional maternal mortality, adding, “The steady progress from the first to the second round and now to the third demonstrates clearly that when leadership is intentional and accountable, measurable and transformative change is possible.”

He also announced that an expanded scorecard to track subnational commitments under the Health Sector Renewal Compact will be launched in 2026 to enhance transparency and accountability.

In his remarks, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Muyi Aina, highlighted key achievements recorded through collaboration with state governments.

The event was organised by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and UNICEF, with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge aims to promote accountability among states and encourage healthy competition to improve healthcare delivery nationwide.

Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle

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Health

MCH: FG Set for Implementation of MAMII Project in Ondo

By Web News 247

By Bukola Bardi

The Federal Government is set to implement the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative, MAMII, in five local government areas of Ondo State.

The Minister of Health, Professor Mohammed Ali-Pate, announced this in Akure at the opening of a five-day activation workshop for the MAMII project.

The programme is being implemented in 33 states of the federation, targeting 172 Local Government Areas, with Akure South, Ese Odo, Owo, Ondo West and Ifedore Council Areas benefiting in Ondo State.

Professor Ali-Pate restated the commitment of the federal government to the survival of mothers and children in the country.

Represented by the Director and Head of Child Health Division, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Amina Mohammed, the minister commended Ondo State for demonstrating consistent leadership in maternal and child health innovations and expressed confidence that the activation of MAMII in the state would serve as a model of excellence for other states.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, while declaring the workshop open, appreciated the federal government for taking a bold step in ending maternal and newborn mortality in the country, saying Ondo State was ready for the implementation of the project in addition to the existing health policies of his administration.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Special Adviser on Health, Professor Simidele Odimayo, expressed optimism that participants at the activation workshop would work out modalities for the smooth implementation of MAMII up to the community level in the bid to end maternal and newborn mortality in the state.

In a remark, the permanent secretary of Ondo State Ministry of Health, Dr Niran Ikuomola, hinted that the five local governments were selected based on their high mortality burden.

In their goodwill messages, representatives of the World Health Organisation, WHO, Dr Adebayo Ibrahim and that of the Clinton Health Access Initiative, Mr Olamide Ayedun, said their agencies had already keyed into the MAMII project with a pledge to support its implementation in reducing child and maternal death in Ondo State.

The Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative, MAMII, was launched in November 2024 to further reduce maternal and child deaths in the country, and it is set for launch in Ondo State after the five-day activation workshop.

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Health

NBSC South-West Acquires Cold Centrifuge

By Web News 924

A component production machine known as Cold Centrifuge has been inaugurated in Ibadan.

The Cold Centrifuge is to produce blood components which would in turn improve blood screening services in the country.

Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire who stated this while inaugurating the equipment explained that the centrifuge would separate the four components of blood in the human body to give a specific requirement instead of exhausting the whole blood.

Dr Ehanire who was represented by Director General, National Blood Service Commission, NBSC, Dr Omale Amedu, hinted that the commission had approved the categorization of blood establishment into primary, secondary and tertiary levels based on the structure range of personal, equipment, products and the services rendered.

The minister noted he had given the approval to constitute a regulatory task force to effectively carry out this regulation to ensure that all blood screening establishments in the country were authorized to be in the business.

In an address of welcome, the Zonal Director of the National Blood Service Commission, NBSC, South-West Zonal Centre, Dr Oladapo Aworanti expressed satisfaction that the components production equipment would meet international standards.

In a goodwill message, Secretary to Oyo State Government, SSG, Mrs Adeosun Olubanwo represented by the permanent secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Ayoola Adebisi lauded the initiative and described the event as unique while noting that one of the cardinal programmes of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration was the provision of good healthcare.

He explained that the state had digital blood-transforming equipment across the health facilities to complement the effort of the NBSC.

Goodwill messages were sent by Chief Medical Directors of hospitals in Ibadan, Lagos, and Ekiti States and other stakeholders.

The high point of the event was the inauguration of the NBSC Tertiary Education Blood Safety Club.

Fasilat Lawal

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Yoruba

Ijoba Apapo Sefilole Ilana Ateele, Lati Dena Aisan To Maa N Tara Ounje Je Jade

By Web News 734

Ijoba apapo orileede yii ti sefilole eto idanileko kan lori aabo ounje je jade.

Alakoso feto ilera Dokita Osagie Ehanire lo seto ayeye ifilole eto idanileko ohun nilu Abuja, pelu  alaye pe, ose pataki ki gbogbo awon toro abo ounje kan gbongbon nile yii forikori, lati sagbekale awon ilana tiwon yoo tele nibi eto idanileko naa, eyi ti yoo mu ki iyato sawon idanileko tawon agbe ti ngba tele lori ipese ounje.

Dokita Ehanire tikun pe awon ilana atteele naa ti yoo ti wa lakosile sinu awon  kan , ni yoo tun wulo fawon allagbata atawon to n ta ounje lona atiridaju pe, abo peye wa lori awon ounje tawon  yoo maa je, ti yoo situn  se dede pelu tile okere.

Alakoso naa sai fikun pe lodun 2010 awon aisan to maa n tara ounje jade bi mokanla logbon lo sekunfa bawon eeyan tole legbeta eeyan bi egberun lona okoolenirinnwo si jalaisi yika agbaye latara re nigba naa lohun.

Folakemi Wojuade

Yoruba

Ijoba Apapo Kilo F’Awon Eeyan Lori Ayedaru Abere Ajesara COVID-19

By Web News 631

Alakoso feto Ilera, Dokita Osagie Ehanire ti sekilo fawon eyan Ile Naijiria lati kiyesara, pelu bi won ti se n ko ayederu abere ajesara wo opo olire ede.

Dokita Ehanire, soro ikilo yi lasiko to lo se abewo si ilewosan ti won tin setojju enito ba ni arun opolo to wa ni Yaba nipinle Eko, o to kasi pea won kolorosi eda kan nlo anfani bawon eeyan se n fe, ajesara ohun lati pese ayederu re.

Alaksoso ni ile Naijiria sin reti lati gba abere ajesara lati ile ajesara lati ile Russia larin ose meji si meta to n bo.

Alakoso feto ilera, wa fikun oro re pe, awon ojise eleto ilera, ni won yow a lara igun akoko ti won yo gba abere naa, nitoripe awon ni won koju ipenija julo lasiko ti won n se itoju eni to ti ni arun COVID-19.

Ololade Afonja/Blessing Okareh

Lifestyle

Update: Commendation Service Held in Honour of Professor Oladipo Akinkugbe in Ibadan

By Web News 1040

The array of personalities who graced the commendation service held in honour of Emeritus Professor Oladipo Olujimi Akinkugbe held at the All Saints’ Church, Jericho, Ibadan lends credence to the saying by Lee David Daniels that “Greatness is attainable. Greatness is multiple small achievements built over a period of time.”

Not minding the realities of the times, professionals from the Medical and Academic fields, Captains of industry, Clergymen and other notable personalities converged on Ibadan to pay their last respect to a man who touched countless lives through his medical practice spanning almost six decades.

In a sermon, the retired Bishop of Ondo Anglican Diocese, the Most Reverend George Lasebikan said though Emeritus professor Akinkugbe became a professor at the age of 35, he remained humble and simple.

Lamenting the rot and corruption now prevalent in Nigeria, the Most Reverend Lasebikan traced these to greed and materialism challenging Nigerians to shun such but rather emulate the values of hard work, as well as love for God and humanity which Professor Akinkugbe stood for.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Oyebisi Ilaka lauded the immense and worthy contributions of Professor Akinkugbe to various fields of human endeavour.

He also described him as one of the shining lights of Ibadan and Oyo State, though a thorough-bred Ondo man.

Delivering an emotion-laden eulogy, a childhood friend of Professor Akinkugbe who is also a diplomat of note, Dr Christopher Kolade relived memories of their growing up years.

He noted that the deceased was very humorous and one who devoted his life to teaching, mentoring and developing medical practitioners across the globe.

In his tribute, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire who also attended the same alma mater with the deceased, Government College Ibadan, said Professor Akinkugbe was a towering figure in the field of medicine who was also very cultured and courteous and would be greatly missed.

Dignitaries who attended the commendation service include Dr Christopher Kolade and his wife, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr Odein Ajumogobia, Professor Akin Mabogunje, Chief Kola Daisi, the Archbishop of Ibadan Anglican Province, The Most Reverend Segun Okubadejo, Bishop of Ibadan Anglican Diocese, Most Reverend Joseph Akinfenwa, Bishop Francis Wale Oke and wife of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries among other clergymen.

Our correspondent observed that the Covid-19 protocols were strictly adhered to at the service.

Professor Oladipo Akinkugbe, Aged 86 was a Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR.

He was widely travelled, highly accomplished, a recipient of many awards who also held chieftaincy titles.

He is survived by his wife, Professor Folasade Akinkugbe, children, grandchildren, in-laws and relatives.

Olutola Daramola

Health

FG, NGF Collaborate to Tackle Coronavirus

By Web News 808

The Federal Government says it will collaborate with Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, to set up functional test isolation centres in every state to tackle the spread of coronavirus in the country.

The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanere stated this after meeting with the 36 state governors during their monthly meeting in Abuja.

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group, NESG, and some agencies also made presentations at the meeting.

Dr Ehanere said he was at the secretariat of the NGF to update the governors on the pandemic of the coronavirus and the strategies that the federal government was making to curtail the spread of the virus in the country.

He explained that the governors agreed to work with the federal government and pledged the commitment of the ministry to always update Nigerians to avoid misinformation. 

“To get the story of how Coronavirus spread abroad and how it has come into Nigeria and what we have done so far. And they asked questions about our strategies, our approach and how it affects their states and our strategies and how they can have access to materials to be able to respond.

I did not need to make an effort to remind the governors on what they should do because they all offered to play a role which was very good. In fact they want to know the cost of building isolation centres, the cost of the equipment and the kits. And they want us to present them with them cost tomorrow. We are happy that there is such engagement by the governors.”

After an extensive discussion on the negative impact of coronavirus to the economy and fall in oil prices, the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi said, the governors set up a committee to review and advice state governments on actions that were required to address the economic challenges in the country. 

“The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and falling oil prices in the Nigerian economy and the revenues of States governments, the forum constituted a sub-committee consisting of the Governors of Kaduna (Chair), Kebbi, Ebonyi, Ogun, Nasarawa, Edo and Jigawa to comprehensive review the trend and advice state governments on the set of actions required to address challenges in the economy”.

Following a presentation by the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, NESG, Laoye Jaiyeola on the economic roundtable, a platform that was created to facilitate improved economic policies in the states, Governor Fayemi said governors adopted the policy to improve effective partnership that would promote good governance at the states.

The Governors also welcomed Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo to his first NGF meeting since his assumption of office. 

Governors also commiserate with the governor of Lagos State on the recent pipe explosion that claimed many lives. 

Nehemiah Anini