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Malaria still highest disease killer in Nigeria – Nwapa

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Malaria still highest disease killer in Nigeria – Nwapa

Malaria still highest disease killer in Nigeria – Nwapa

 

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

The convener #EndMalariaInNigeria, Mr Francis Nwapa Watch says Malaria has remained a huge Public Health challenge and the highest killer disease in Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

 

Nwapa said this in a press statement to commemorate the 2023 world malaria Day which is being celebrated every April 25.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He said that with over 10 million cases and 200,000 deaths annually, amount to about 31.9% of the global Malaria indices, malaria elimination interventions in Nigeria are necessary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He called on the federal government to put in more efforts in the fight against mosquitos if we must deliver zero malaria across the nation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“#EndMalariaInNigeria commend the efforts and interventions so far made by various groups, individuals and government agencies over the years towards malaria elimination in Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

“It is in recognition of this that we have in the last one year advocated a redirection in the methods of intervention from curative to preventive’’.

 

Malaria still highest disease killer in Nigeria – Nwapa

 

 

 

 

Nwapa said that it is worrisome that the Nigeria Vaccine Development Laboratory that was active for about six decades, between 1940 and 1991, producing large quantities of vaccines against smallpox, rabies, yellow fever for not only Nigeria, but neighbouring countries like Cameroon, Central Africa and a few other countries in Africa has remain dormant.

 

 

 

 

 

“Though it was closed in 1991 by the federal government which said it wanted to reactivate and upgrade the facility, its resuscitation has remained a mirage. A once viable Laboratory has been abandoned to donor funding.

 

 

 

 

 

‘Similarly, the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) established for scientific research in Biochemistry and Nutrition, Virology Vaccinology, Immunology, Health system and policy research, Reproductive, Maternal and Childhood diseases Research, Clinical Science, Microbiology, Molecular biology Biotechnology and public Health has also remained underfunded by government and left to donor funding’’.
He enumerated some of the challenges that have hindered the fight against elimination of Malaria in Nigeria as follow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The use of IPT, prophylaxis and distribution of ITNs to pregnant women has helped in reducing malaria mortality among pregnant women in some regions of the country when compared to previous records, however certain factors have limited the effectiveness of these methods.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Most rural Nigeria women due to lack of education are still attached to some cultural and religious beliefs that dissuade them from taking these treatments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The poor housing system with no ventilation compounded with epileptic power supply is a discouraging factor for not using distributed insecticide treated nets (ITNs)

 

 

 

 

 

“Underfunded up malaria vaccine development laboratory and Nigeria institute of medical research still a major problem’’.

 

 

 

 

 

He recalled that recently, Nigeria and Ghana approved the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine produced by Oxford University which is an improved version of the RTS,S vaccine that has already been approved by the WHO.

 

 

 

 

“Also recall that 252 Days after the inauguration of Dangote led Nigeria Malaria Elimination Council, nothing significant has been heard of the council inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari to mobilize resources towards the fight against malaria.

 

 

 

 

 

“Just as our organization stated when it was inaugurated that it was a “wild goose chase and a business for the big boys” we have been vindicated.

 

 

 

 

“From similar failed efforts like the Role Back Malaria program in 1998, initiated and funded by international organizations like WHO, UNDP, etc, such Council will fail in achieving its aim’’.

 

 

 

 

 

He further said that preventive intervention is required to deliver zero malaria in the country.

 

 

 

 

 

“Malaria resurgence will remain a persistent threat until the disease is eradicated altogether. We need to keep up the momentum but more importantly hold the gains.

“With sustained funding, rapid progress towards ending malaria deaths can be obtained, but without it, gains could be quickly reversed putting millions of lives at risk”.

“Malaria is transmitted by an infected female anopheles mosquito, and it goes through complete metamorphosis.

He used the occasion of World Malaria Day 2023 to call on the Nigerian government to immediately mobilize Environmental health professionals in coming up with National environmental health and water management plan that will address drainages, construction of sanitary landfills and dams as a direct process of fighting mosquitos in Nigeria.

“Government should also invest in primary health care and improve remuneration for health workers, adequately fund Nigeria vaccine development laboratory, Nigeria Institute of medical research.
“We also call on government to open and adequately fund research centres in the Universities across the nation.

“We use this occasion to call on international organizations to renew commitment and efforts in ending malaria in Nigeria through partnership with organizations like the #EndMalariaInNigeria in combating malaria in Nigeria’.

He said that Nigeria can attain a malaria-free status. A country is granted malaria-free certification by WHO when the country proves that it has interrupted indigenous transmission of the disease for at least 3 consecutive years.

“If African countries like Lesotho, Mauritius, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, LA Reunion, Seychelles, Tunisia have been declared malaria free, then Nigeria can put an end to the over 200,000 malaria mortality annually.

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OTUNBA WASIU JAIYEOLA BAGS TASUED’S DOCTORATE DEGREE

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OTUNBA WASIU JAIYEOLA BAGS TASUED’S DOCTORATE DEGREE

 

In recognition of his impactful contributions to clothing and textile industry in Ogun state in particular and Nigeria in general, the Governing Council of Tai Solarin University of Education, ijagun is set to honour the Founder of Wessy Creations, Otunba Jaiyeola Wasiu, with the Doctor of Science, D.sc Ed (Honoris causa) in Textile and Clothing.

The letter of conferment of the award dated September 30, 2024 with reference number TASUED/REG.122/VOL.1/006 and signed by the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, indicated that: “The Award is in recognition of your passion for education, and numerous contributions to the advancement of human race in general.”

The letter reads further: “The University takes special recognition of your numerous professional achievements and community services, including your exemplary leadership roles in our Nation as an elder statesman whose modest achievements and accomplishments represent the idea of integrity and selflessness, which our University stand for.
“The University joins well-meaning Nigerians in celebrating your humble, worthy, and outstanding legacies in the service of humanity.
“We also congratulate you and your family on your many notable achievements in life”.

The conferment ceremony is slated for Thursday, 28th November, 2024 at the School Auditorium in Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

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Family Pleads With FG to save brother in South African prison

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Family Pleads With FG to save brother in South African prison

Family Pleads With FG to save brother in South African prison

 

The family of a Nigerian businessman, Olatunji Abdul, imprisoned in South Africa, has called on the Nigerian government and the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to intervene and save his life urgently.

The family, at a press conference on Thursday at Ikeja, alleged that Olatunji, a businessman and humanitarian, who has been held in a South African prison since 2019, is a victim of false charges allegedly orchestrated by state agents and xenophobic business rivals and that he is facing imminent danger.

PUNCH Metro gathered that through a petition submitted by the founder of Zarephath Aid, Ben Abraham, an international criminal justice organisation, the family narrated the ordeal of the Osun State-born entrepreneur.

 

Abdul, who relocated to South Africa in 2009, established himself as a prominent figure in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

According to the family, as the founder and CEO of Hydro Club, a leading hospitality consultancy in Johannesburg, he provided employment opportunities for Nigerians and supported businesses, students, and tourists in the diaspora.

However, his family believes his success made him a target for xenophobic competitors and corrupt officials.

 

Olatunji’s brother, Sesan, revealed that in 2019, these forces allegedly initiated a scheme, called “#DestroyAbdul,” aimed at destroying his reputation and business ventures.

Sesan claimed that this led to his wrongful arrest, denial of bail, and coercion into providing false confessions.

“In 2020, Olatunji was convicted on charges of theft and sentenced to 15 years in prison, a sentence his supporters insist was based on fabricated evidence.’

“Despite being granted leave to appeal his sentence in November 2024, Abdul is said to be facing further challenges as his efforts to secure legal representation for his appeal have been thwarted.

 

“Several lawyers have reportedly withdrawn from his case due to threats and intimidation, leaving him to represent himself in court,” he said.

His family further stated that his situation is worsening, with fears of poisoning in prison and the confiscation of his laptop, which he needed for legal preparation.

The family, along with Zarephath Aid, appealed to the FG to act swiftly to prevent Olatunji’s death.

 

“If nothing is done, we risk losing a man who has brought pride to Nigeria and significantly contributed to the Nigerian diaspora.”

The petition reads. “Abdul is not a criminal; he is a victim of a malicious plot to destroy him.”

Olatunji’s physical and emotional health has reportedly deteriorated.

His family added that without intervention, his life remains in grave danger.

“This is not just about Abdul,” said Ben Abraham of Zarephath Aid. “It is about protecting Nigerians abroad who face unjust persecution despite their positive contributions.

 

“Abdul is an example of what Nigerians can achieve, and he deserves the protection of his country,” he said.

“Abdul is not just a businessman; he is a father, a son, and a role model for Nigerians in the diaspora. Nigeria must act now to bring him home,” the family stated.

 

 

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How Visiting US-based Nigerian bought nine drugs before death 

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How Visiting US-based Nigerian bought nine drugs before death 

How Visiting US-based Nigerian bought nine drugs before death

 

The Ogun State Police Command on Thursday said it found nine different drugs and medications in the hotel room of the visiting US-based 51-year-old Sunday Abidoye whose lifeless body was discovered at the Creestar Hotel room, GRA, Sagamu, on Wednesday.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday to confirm Abidoye’s death.

Odutola explained that the Chief Security Officer of the hotel, one Mr Oluwole, reported the incident regarding the discovery of the deceased customer to the police, five days after his arrival from the United States of America.

She said on receiving the report, a team of detectives visited the scene and on arrival, found the body of the deceased already placed inside a car outside the hotel, being prepared to be taken to the morgue by his family.

 

Odutola said that the deceased’s brother, Jimoh Godday, residing in Imota, Lagos State, informed the police team that his brother had arrived in Nigeria from the USA on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

 

She explained further that Godday said he had called at the hotel on Monday and knocked on Room 109, where his brother was staying, but got no response after which he requested a spare key from the manager to enter the room, where they discovered his brother’s lifeless body.

Odutola said, “Photos were taken, and various drugs and traditional medicines were recovered from the room.

 

“The centre of the bed was soaked with a liquid-like substance. A friend of the deceased, Ogunmonti Ogunwole, confirmed that he accompanied his friend, Sunday, to purchase nine different types of medication the previous day due to his complaints of illness.

“The body has since been evacuated to OOUTH morgue in Sagamu for an autopsy.

“No known cause of death yet, and the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation.”

 

 

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