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Aliko Dangote Foundation Engages 54gene Laboratory to Conduct 1,000 COVID-19 Test per Day in Kano

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The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), a philanthropic endeavor of Aliko Dangote,  has contracted 54Gene, a molecular diagnostics company specialized in research, and diagnostics, to immediately set up a 400 test/day capacity laboratory in Kano State.

54Gene is accredited by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and has already set up labs in Lagos and in Ogun States.

The lab, which was inaugurated yesterday – May 3rd in Kano, will start with a testing capacity of 400 tests a day, increasing to 1,000 tests a day by May 10th.

The lab will be set up at Muhammadu Buhari Hospital in Kano, where an isolation center is currently operational.

The President/Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote said the foundation is directly supporting the Nigerian government’s COVID-19 containment efforts in Kano State.

According to Dangote, this new investment in support of increasing nation-wide testing, comes in addition to ADF’s support through the Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID).

He explained: “CACOVID is already setting up a 310 bed isolation center at Sani Abacha stadium in Kano. We are extending that capacity by another 150 beds at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre in Kano, which is being converted into an isolation center now. These two centers will be operational pending the final validation by the Infection Prevention and Control team, which we expect will be completed in the coming days.”

Dangote pledged the  Foundation’s commitment  to reduce the number of lives lost to  diseases, such as COVID-19, Ebola and other deadly viruses in the State.

He said the foundation would not relent in using its investments in health, education, and economic empowerment to help lift people out of sickness and poverty.

Speaking on the efforts of the Foundation to assist the Federal Government in curtailing the spread of COVID-19, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of ADF, Zouera Youssoufou, added that ADF is also supporting the Rapid Response Teams in their work to identify suspected covid-19 cases across the healthcare centers in Kano. “ADF will immediately handover to the Kano RRT, 10 new ambulances (4 that ae immediately available and 6 over the next week), two vehicles and PPEs to support the transportation of patients from different parts of the state”, she said.

She said that the Foundation is also supporting the Kano State Covid-19 contact call center that responds to citizen queries and concerns around Covid-19 and refers people to the proper place for follow up, by providing extra phone lines and ICT infrastructure as well as training for the call center staff.

On training, she disclosed: “We are supporting training and incentives for covid-19 health workers.  We will provide hazard incentives and protections for the healthcare and lab workers who are working on the covid-19 response. We are also providing training to them, initially online and via distance learning, and will complement his with in-person training in Kano under strict IPC protocols developed in conjunction with the NCDC.

“ADF will continue to provide PPEs to the Kano State Covid-19 Taskforce, which will then be distributed to the hospitals as appropriate. Items already supplied include coveralls, gloves, masks, respirators, goggles, boots and sanitizers.

“We are expanding the CACOVID communications strategy in Kano by adding more communications and advocacy around Covid-19 prevention across radio, TV and traditional and community leaders.”

Commending ADF, Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje stated: “There’s no doubt we started on a shaky foundation, with assistance of ADF, we can see that a friend in deed is a friend in need. We are very grateful for the mobile testing Centre witch will launch with 400 samples per day and after a week, increase to 1,000 tests  per day

“It is now left for us to intensify efforts to collect samples. We will ensure that all that 44 Local Government Council have collection centres.  Here in the metropolitan local government, we will have 100s of collection centres because this is where the majority of the population is”.

The governor added that the state has intensify efforts to create awareness about the reality of coronavirus.

He commended the Dangote Foundation for always occupying the forefront of helping in critical times like this.

Speaking on the collaboration, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of 54gene, Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong, the 40ft structure built with container technology, provides a unique plug-and-play solution.

Ene-Obong  explained that the mobile laboratory is also fully kitted with vital instruments including  an autoclave, bio-safety cabinet, centrifuge, heating blocks, vortexes, pipettes, and PCR machines to support COVID-19 testing.

He stated: “Our mobile lab is fully equipped with all the vital instruments required for COVID-19 testing, and allows us to quickly offer our services to multiple states due to the ease of transport. Its unique plug and play feature eliminates the logistics of shipping samples to another location for the processing which reduces turnaround times for test results and allows clinicians to manage and treat patients accurately, sooner rather than later.”

Ene-Obong said the company  has also helped build capacity by equipping molecular scientists with the necessary skill set required to handle the instruments in the mobile lab as they would in regular molecular testing laboratories.

“Our mobile lab removes the restriction imposed by permanent buildings and allows us to quickly offer our services to multiple states due to the ease of transport and the mobile capability it provides”, he added

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Inside the Success of Yoruba Cinema’s Biggest Stars

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Inside the Success of Yoruba Cinema’s Biggest Stars

King of the Screen: Why Odunlade, Muyiwa, Femi Adebayo Remain Yoruba Movie Giants

 

The Yoruba movie industry has continued to produce legendary talents whose influence stretches beyond Nigeria to global audiences. Over the years, some actors have distinguished themselves through consistency, versatility, box office success, and cultural impact.

 

Among the numerous stars in Nollywood’s Yoruba sector, three actors have remained dominant figures whose names constantly resonate with fans and filmmakers alike — Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola, and Femi Adebayo.

Inside the Success of Yoruba Cinema’s Biggest Stars

Odunlade Adekola: The Street King of Yoruba Cinema

 

Popularly regarded as one of the most entertaining actors in Nollywood, Odunlade Adekola has built a unique reputation through his energetic delivery, comic timing, emotional depth, and strong connection with grassroots audiences.

From comedy to action and emotional family dramas, the actor has consistently proven his versatility in blockbuster productions. His ability to interpret diverse roles effortlessly has made him a household name across Nigeria.

Industry observers believe his dominance on social media platforms, where his movie clips frequently go viral, has further strengthened his popularity among younger audiences.

Beyond acting, Odunlade has also contributed immensely to mentoring upcoming talents and expanding the commercial value of Yoruba films.

 

Muyiwa Ademola: The Master Storyteller

 

For many lovers of indigenous movies, Muyiwa Ademola remains one of the finest storytellers the Yoruba film industry has produced.

Widely respected for producing emotional and morally driven movies, the actor earned massive recognition through classic productions that focused on family values, culture, betrayal, perseverance, and societal lessons.

His calm delivery, deep scripts, and originality have kept him relevant despite changing trends in the entertainment industry.

Film critics often describe Muyiwa Ademola as one of the few actors whose productions combine entertainment with strong cultural education, making his movies timeless among older and younger viewers alike.

 

 

Femi Adebayo: The Modern-Day Box Office Force

 

Femi Adebayo Unveils Cultural and Romantic Inspirations Behind New Film, ‘Seven Doors’

Femi Adebayo has successfully combined traditional Yoruba storytelling with modern cinematic excellence, helping to project indigenous films to international audiences.

The actor, filmmaker, and producer has recorded major successes with high-budget productions that gained attention on streaming platforms and cinemas.

Known for his professionalism and attention to detail, Femi Adebayo has continued to push Yoruba movies beyond local boundaries while preserving cultural identity.

Entertainment analysts say his ability to blend culture, technology, and quality production has positioned him among the leading faces shaping the future of Yoruba cinema.

Growing Global Influence

The success of these actors reflects the increasing acceptance of indigenous Nigerian content globally. With streaming platforms creating wider access to local movies, Yoruba actors are now gaining international recognition and attracting new audiences.

Fans and stakeholders in the entertainment industry believe the contributions of Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola, and Femi Adebayo have not only sustained Yoruba culture through film but have also elevated Nollywood’s global reputation.

 

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Eid-el-Kabir: Olowu of Kuta Urges Peace, Unity, Selflessness Among Nigerians

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Olowu Kuta To Yoruba Obas: Uplift Culture And Tradition Of Our Forebears

Eid-el-Kabir: Olowu of Kuta Urges Peace, Unity, Selflessness Among Nigerians

 

The Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr. Hammed Makama Oyelude, CON, Tegbosun III, has called on the Muslim Ummah and all Nigerians to make peace, unity, and selflessness their guiding principles as the world marks this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

 

 

In his Sallah message, the revered monarch described Eid-el-Kabir as a “highly spiritual occasion that demands dedication, commitment, and selflessness.”

 

 

Oba Makama said the period should be used to reflect on societal happenings and promote messages of hope and unity without inciting provocation.

 

 

He urged Nigerians to live together harmoniously, irrespective of religious, political, or tribal affiliations, stressing that politicians should exercise restraint and avoid inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

 

“What should be uppermost in the mind of every patriotic Nigerian is **‘Country first,’” he said.

 

 

The monarch also appealed to citizens to remain vigilant in the face of insecurity, reassuring that the armed forces and paramilitary agencies are working round the clock to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration.

 

 

“The price wise men pay for eternal liberty is vigilance. I urge everyone to celebrate moderately and extend a helping hand to the less privileged, widows, and orphans, embracing them as our brothers and sisters,” Olowu Makama added.

 

 

He concluded by wishing all Nigerians a peaceful and fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

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Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II Felicitates Muslims on Eid-el-Kabir Celebration

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Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II Felicitates Muslims on Eid-el-Kabir Celebration

By Adeyemi Obadimu Veron

The Oloworo of Oworosoki Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II, has extended warm greetings and heartfelt felicitations to Muslims across Nigeria and the world at large on the joyous occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

In a statement made available to Newsmen, the revered monarch urged Muslims to embrace the true teachings of Islam by promoting peace, love, unity, sacrifice, and compassion during and after the festive period.

Oba Babatunde Saliu Elebo II noted that Eid-el-Kabir, also known as Salah, remains one of the most significant celebrations in Islam as it symbolizes total obedience, faith, and devotion to Almighty Allah, drawing inspiration from the unwavering sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who demonstrated complete submission to the will of God.

According to the monarch, the Holy Qur’an teaches believers the importance of righteousness, kindness to humanity, tolerance, and support for the less privileged in society. He emphasized that the season should serve as a reminder for all Nigerians to live in harmony irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or political differences.

The royal father further called on Muslims to use the sacred period to pray fervently for peace, stability, economic growth, and sustainable development in Nigeria, stressing that national progress can only thrive in an atmosphere of unity and mutual understanding.

Oba Saliu also encouraged the faithful to extend hands of generosity to widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society, noting that the essence of Eid-el-Kabir goes beyond celebration and feasting, but also reflects the spirit of sharing and caring for humanity as instructed in the Qur’an.

While wishing Muslims a peaceful and memorable Eid celebration, the Oloworo of Oworosoki prayed for divine blessings, prosperity, good health, and continued harmony in homes and communities.

“May this year’s Eid-el-Kabir strengthen our faith, deepen our love for one another, and bring renewed hope and abundant blessings to our nation,” the monarch stated.

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